Exclusive | Inside the Hamptons power synagogue thats become the ultimate political pitstop
Less than 24 hours after a violent antisemitic attack in New York City, Gov.Kathy Hochul made an unscheduled stop on Long Island — for Shabbat dinner at The Hampton Synagogue.
There, she rushed to reassure congregants she would be doing everything in her power to protect the Empire State’s Jewish community.Hours later, Maryland Gov.Wes Moore was in that very same room in Westhampton Beach — speaking to the congregation and answering tough questions about Israel.
It wasn’t a coincidence.In recent years, what started out as an informal East End gathering place has quietly become one of the country’s foremost stages for Jewish civic and political life, with members including Patriots owner Robert Kraft, celebrity jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, and many philanthropic members all passionate about global affairs.In this place, political hopefuls, business and thought leaders from all different ideologies come to speak — directly to one of the nation’s most influential Jewish communities.Sandy Cahn, who sponsors the synagogue’s Stewart Cahn Global Breakfast Forum, said that’s exactly why the politicians keep showing up.“It’s a really important way to reach our community,” Cahn told The Post.“Sometimes it’s controversial, sometimes it’s not.
The rabbi is really asking tough questions.”Much of that influence traces back to one man.Congregants describe Rabbi Marc Schneier as an equal part spiritual leader and ringmaster.
A larger-than-life personality, with a uniquely colorful life, whose relentless energy has transformed the congregation into the Hamptons’ de facto Jewish town hall.They don’t just come for the speakers.
They come for him.The charismatic Rabbi, who founded the congregation in 1990, channels a Tony Soprano energy and jokes that he always wanted to be “Don Schneier.” A little bit show business, a little pizzazz, he peppers conversations with ...