Lazarus Joseph
Encyclopedia
Lazarus Joseph was an attorney, six-time New York State Senator
from 1934 to 1945 (21st District 1934-44, 24th District 1945), and New York City Comptroller
(1946–1954).
of New York City
, Joseph was the grandson of Rabbi
Jacob Joseph
, one of the most famous rabbis of turn-of-the-century New York. Lazarus attended New York University
, where he earned his law degree in 1912. After practicing law for a number of years, in 1931, he worked as a deputy assistant to the New York State Attorney General
in the Security Frauds Bureau. Three years later, he was elected to the New York State Senate
for the first time, then was re-elected another five times. He also served as the New York City Comptroller from 1946 to 1954.
As reported in the New York Times, December 29, 1933, in Joseph's first term as State Senator, he was elected in a special election in the Twenty-first Senatorial District, the Bronx, (to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry G. Schackno, who was chosen City Court justice at the November election). This election was a pivotal one for the Democratic party in New York, as his victory assured Democratic control of the State Senate, 26-25.
The New York Times praised Joseph after his election to New York City Comptroller in 1945, stating that "In the eleven years that he served as a member of the State Senate, Lazarus Joseph earned a reputation as an expert in budgetary and financial matters and as an authority on real estate law and finance." The November 7, 1945 article goes on to note that he also earned "...a wide reputation on budget matters in State Senate sponsored mortgage legislation." This opinion was echoed for former New York State Governor Herbert H. Lehman
who called Lazarus Joseph "...an industrious, conscientious and far-sighted public servant." (New York Times, October 26, 1949)
During his terms as Comptroller, Joseph tackled budgetary issues facing the City, facing many years in which the City prospered, and others that the City did not fair as well. New York City had a series of bond issues during the latter years of Joseph's tenure, and he was reported to have traveled to Albany to request the Governor's assistance in funding the City's budgetary deficits. Some of the issues effecting Joseph that were widely reported included keeping public transportation fares limited ten cents, and the attempted closing of WNYC
to curtail budget constraints upon the City.
As City Comptroller, Joseph participated in the groundbreaking of the United Nations
headquarters in New York City.
During the 1950 mayoral election, Joseph declared that Acting Mayor Vincent Impellitteri - who was running for the Mayoral post - "had neither the experience nor ability to be Mayor of New York City...," and lacked "sufficient experience" with only two months in the post, and called Impellitteri's Estimate Board record "blank." Nonetheless, Impellitteri went on to be re-elected. (New York Times, November 4, 1950)
Although Joseph reportedly sided in the Board of Estimate with Mayor Impellitteri during the latter's term in office, Joseph supported Borough President Robert F. Wagner Jr. of Manhattan for the Democratic nomination for Mayor in the 1953 primary election. Correct in his prediction, Joseph called Wagner a "sure winner."
Considered a kingpin in the New York political arena, Joseph was lobbied for support of major projects affecting the City of New York. Eleanor Roosevelt
mentions meeting with Lazarus Joseph (April 4, 1953, as quoted in "My Day," Mrs. Roosevelt's diary) to advocate for the preservation of social welfare projects.
Upon the close of his eight years in office as Comptroller, Lazarus Joseph left the City with cautionary advice; "that it is easy to borrow, but the reckoning always must be met in the expense budget, and by the taxpayer." (New York Times, November 18, 1953). His warning was not heeded, as debt load led the City into bankruptcy some twenty years later, when President Gerald Ford
refused to assist New York with its deficit.
The New York Times reported that Joseph became ill Thursday, May 19, 1966, and died of a stroke at Beth Israel Hospital
, Tuesday, May 23, 1966.
, United Jewish Appeal
and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York.
After World War II
Joseph championed the rehabilitation of 1,500,000 Jewish survivors of Nazism
, calling it "the duty of every American citizen, Christian
or Jew, black or white." (December 16, 1946, New York Times.) His attendance was recorded in news reports covering fundraisers in support of the new State of Israel
during the years following its declaration of independence.
Mr. Joseph appeared to be willing to lend his name to assist charities that he identified with, as he was a guest of honor in December 1934 at a fundraiser for the Hebrew Home. He also played an active role in the Rabbi Jacob Joseph School
, a yeshiva
co-founded by his father Raphael, named after his grandfather, New York City's first chief rabbi.
for two seasons on the NYU varsity (1910–1911). After graduating from NYU, Joseph continued to play basketball with the Mohegans - reportedly one of the top amateur teams in New York City - where he helped the squad defeat some of the top teams of the era, including Seton Hall University
and Williams College
.
A burglary in Joseph's home made the news in the 1930s when two of his wife Henrietta's diamond rings were stolen from their Bronx residence. A Bronx police officer was accused, then cleared of the crime.
His 22-year-old son Jacob Joseph was a captain in the United States Marine Corps
who was killed in action
at the Battle of Guadalcanal on October 22, 1942. New York City Mayor O'Dwyer, memorialized Captain Joseph in City Hall together with members of the Board of Estimate, other city officials and 1,000 friends in presence. A New York City playground was later named in Captain Joseph's honor.
According to the website politicalgraveyard.com, Joseph was a member of the Elks
, Freemasons
and Knights of Pythias
.
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
from 1934 to 1945 (21st District 1934-44, 24th District 1945), and New York City Comptroller
New York City Comptroller
The Office of Comptroller of New York City is the chief fiscal officer and chief auditing officer of the city. The comptroller is elected, citywide, to a four-year term and can hold office for three consecutive terms. The current comptroller is Democrat John Liu, formerly a member of the New York...
(1946–1954).
Career
Born in the early 1890s on the Lower East SideLower East Side
The Lower East Side, LES, is a neighborhood in the southeastern part of the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is roughly bounded by Allen Street, East Houston Street, Essex Street, Canal Street, Eldridge Street, East Broadway, and Grand Street....
of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Joseph was the grandson of Rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
Jacob Joseph
Jacob Joseph
Jacob Joseph served as chief rabbi of New York City's Association of American Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, a federation of Eastern European Jewish synagogues...
, one of the most famous rabbis of turn-of-the-century New York. Lazarus attended New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
, where he earned his law degree in 1912. After practicing law for a number of years, in 1931, he worked as a deputy assistant to the New York State Attorney General
New York State Attorney General
The New York State Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of New York. The office has been in existence in some form since 1626, under the Dutch colonial government of New York.The current Attorney General is Eric Schneiderman...
in the Security Frauds Bureau. Three years later, he was elected to the New York State Senate
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
for the first time, then was re-elected another five times. He also served as the New York City Comptroller from 1946 to 1954.
As reported in the New York Times, December 29, 1933, in Joseph's first term as State Senator, he was elected in a special election in the Twenty-first Senatorial District, the Bronx, (to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry G. Schackno, who was chosen City Court justice at the November election). This election was a pivotal one for the Democratic party in New York, as his victory assured Democratic control of the State Senate, 26-25.
The New York Times praised Joseph after his election to New York City Comptroller in 1945, stating that "In the eleven years that he served as a member of the State Senate, Lazarus Joseph earned a reputation as an expert in budgetary and financial matters and as an authority on real estate law and finance." The November 7, 1945 article goes on to note that he also earned "...a wide reputation on budget matters in State Senate sponsored mortgage legislation." This opinion was echoed for former New York State Governor Herbert H. Lehman
Herbert H. Lehman
Herbert Henry Lehman was a Democratic Party politician from New York. He was the 45th Governor of New York from 1933 to 1942, and represented New York in the United States Senate from 1950 to 1957.-Lehman Brothers:...
who called Lazarus Joseph "...an industrious, conscientious and far-sighted public servant." (New York Times, October 26, 1949)
During his terms as Comptroller, Joseph tackled budgetary issues facing the City, facing many years in which the City prospered, and others that the City did not fair as well. New York City had a series of bond issues during the latter years of Joseph's tenure, and he was reported to have traveled to Albany to request the Governor's assistance in funding the City's budgetary deficits. Some of the issues effecting Joseph that were widely reported included keeping public transportation fares limited ten cents, and the attempted closing of WNYC
WNYC
WNYC is a set of call letters shared by a pair of co-owned, non-profit, public radio stations located in New York City.WNYC broadcasts on the AM band at 820 kHz, and WNYC-FM is at 93.9 MHz. Both stations are members of National Public Radio and carry distinct, but similar news/talk programs...
to curtail budget constraints upon the City.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
headquarters in New York City.
During the 1950 mayoral election, Joseph declared that Acting Mayor Vincent Impellitteri - who was running for the Mayoral post - "had neither the experience nor ability to be Mayor of New York City...," and lacked "sufficient experience" with only two months in the post, and called Impellitteri's Estimate Board record "blank." Nonetheless, Impellitteri went on to be re-elected. (New York Times, November 4, 1950)
Although Joseph reportedly sided in the Board of Estimate with Mayor Impellitteri during the latter's term in office, Joseph supported Borough President Robert F. Wagner Jr. of Manhattan for the Democratic nomination for Mayor in the 1953 primary election. Correct in his prediction, Joseph called Wagner a "sure winner."
Considered a kingpin in the New York political arena, Joseph was lobbied for support of major projects affecting the City of New York. Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
mentions meeting with Lazarus Joseph (April 4, 1953, as quoted in "My Day," Mrs. Roosevelt's diary) to advocate for the preservation of social welfare projects.
Upon the close of his eight years in office as Comptroller, Lazarus Joseph left the City with cautionary advice; "that it is easy to borrow, but the reckoning always must be met in the expense budget, and by the taxpayer." (New York Times, November 18, 1953). His warning was not heeded, as debt load led the City into bankruptcy some twenty years later, when President Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford
Gerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974...
refused to assist New York with its deficit.
The New York Times reported that Joseph became ill Thursday, May 19, 1966, and died of a stroke at Beth Israel Hospital
Beth Israel Medical Center
Beth Israel Medical Center is a 1,368-bed, full-service tertiary teaching hospital in New York City. Originally dedicated to serving immigrant Jews living in the tenement slums of the Lower East Side, it was founded at the turn of the 20th century. The main hospital location is the Petrie...
, Tuesday, May 23, 1966.
Philanthropy
Joseph was noted as a philanthropist prior to being elected to public office. His record shows that he was active in many charities, including the 92nd Street Y92nd Street Y
92nd Street Y is a multifaceted cultural institution and community center located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, United States, at the corner of E. 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue. Its full name is 92nd Street Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association...
, United Jewish Appeal
United Jewish Appeal
The United Jewish Appeal was a Jewish philanthropic umbrella organization that existed from its creation in 1949 until it was folded into the United Jewish Communities, which was formed from the 1999 merger of United Jewish Appeal , Council of Jewish Federations and United Israel Appeal, Inc.In...
and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Joseph championed the rehabilitation of 1,500,000 Jewish survivors of Nazism
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
, calling it "the duty of every American citizen, Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
or Jew, black or white." (December 16, 1946, New York Times.) His attendance was recorded in news reports covering fundraisers in support of the new State of Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
during the years following its declaration of independence.
Mr. Joseph appeared to be willing to lend his name to assist charities that he identified with, as he was a guest of honor in December 1934 at a fundraiser for the Hebrew Home. He also played an active role in the Rabbi Jacob Joseph School
Rabbi Jacob Joseph School
The Rabbi Jacob Joseph School is an Orthodox Jewish day school located in Staten Island, New York that serves students from nursery through twelfth grade. The school was founded in 1903 and named in honor of Rabbi Jacob Joseph, chief rabbi of New York City's Association of American Orthodox Hebrew...
, a yeshiva
Yeshiva
Yeshiva is a Jewish educational institution that focuses on the study of traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and Torah study. Study is usually done through daily shiurim and in study pairs called chavrutas...
co-founded by his father Raphael, named after his grandfather, New York City's first chief rabbi.
Other
While attending New York University, Joseph played basketballBasketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
for two seasons on the NYU varsity (1910–1911). After graduating from NYU, Joseph continued to play basketball with the Mohegans - reportedly one of the top amateur teams in New York City - where he helped the squad defeat some of the top teams of the era, including Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1856 by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States. Seton Hall is also the oldest and largest Catholic university in the...
and Williams College
Williams College
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. Originally a men's college, Williams became co-educational in 1970. Fraternities were also phased out during this...
.
A burglary in Joseph's home made the news in the 1930s when two of his wife Henrietta's diamond rings were stolen from their Bronx residence. A Bronx police officer was accused, then cleared of the crime.
His 22-year-old son Jacob Joseph was a captain in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
who was killed in action
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
at the Battle of Guadalcanal on October 22, 1942. New York City Mayor O'Dwyer, memorialized Captain Joseph in City Hall together with members of the Board of Estimate, other city officials and 1,000 friends in presence. A New York City playground was later named in Captain Joseph's honor.
According to the website politicalgraveyard.com, Joseph was a member of the Elks
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868...
, Freemasons
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
and Knights of Pythias
Knights of Pythias
The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded at Washington, DC, on 19 February 1864.The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been...
.