Rachel Freier

Freier was born in Borough Park, Brooklyn,{{cite web|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/12/22/first-hasidic-civil-court-judge/|title=First Hasidic Woman Elected To Public Office To Be Sworn In As Brooklyn Judge|date=December 22, 2016|work=1010 WINS}} the eldest of five children in a Hasidic Jewish family.{{Cite news|url=http://www.recordonline.com/article/20070506/News/705060338|title=Living in Two Worlds: Rachel Freier, Mother, Wife and Lawyer, Is Also Hasidic Jew|first=Chris|last=McKenna|work=Times Herald-Record|date=May 6, 2007|access-date=October 31, 2016}} While attending the Bais Yaakov high school in Borough Park, she took a course in legal stenography, and she graduated from high school in 1982.{{cite web|url=http://gothamist.com/2017/01/04/hasidic_woman_judge_brooklyn.php|title=An Interview With The First Hasidic Woman Elected To Public Office In The U.S.|date=January 7, 2017|work=Gothamist|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106182710/http://gothamist.com/2017/01/04/hasidic_woman_judge_brooklyn.php|archivedate=January 6, 2017}} At age 19 she married David Freier, with whom she has three sons and three daughters.

Freier worked first as a legal secretary, and, in 1994, as a paralegal at law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, in order to support her husband in kollel.{{cite web|url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/special-sections/jewish-women-now/we-are-reclaiming-our-job|title='We Are Reclaiming Our Job'|first=Sandee|last=Brawarsky|date=June 18, 2012|newspaper=The Jewish Week|access-date=November 6, 2016}} Her husband went on to complete an accounting degree at Touro College, and in 1996, she also decided to pursue a college education. She began studying law at age 30 after realizing she was working for lawyers younger than her.{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/222934|title=Arutz Sheva interviews first female hasidic judge|last=Kempinski|first=Yoni|date=January 8, 2017|work=Arutz Sheva}}

She enrolled at Lander College, part of the Touro College and University System,{{cite web|url=https://las.touro.edu/news--events/stories/my-brain-was-bored.php|title=Lander College of Arts & Sciences's Rachel Freier went from being a legal secretary to an attorney and director of an all-female EMT corps|work=Touro College|date=August 21, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2017}} where she became director of the women's pre-law society, and graduated six years later with a bachelor of science degree in political science.

She then entered Brooklyn Law School,{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklaw.edu/News%20and%20Events/News/2017/2017-03-30|title=Brooklyn Law School Honors Rachel Freier '05 as First Hasidic Woman Judge|work=Brooklyn Law School|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklaw.edu/News%20and%20Events/News/2017/2017-01-03|title=Rachel Freier '05 Takes Office as Nation's First Hasidic Woman as Civil Court Judge|work=Brooklyn Law School|date=January 3, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2017}} completing her degree in four years, graduating in June 2005.

File:Bill clinton.jpeg & Hillary Clinton]]

Freier passed the New York State Bar exam in 2006. She is also licensed to practice law in New Jersey and the District of Columbia.{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/politics/go-for-your-dreams-and-dont-compromise-your-religious-standards-rachel-freier-is-not-your-typical-civil-court-candidate/2016/07/14/0/|title='Go For Your Dreams And Don't Compromise Your Religious Standards': Rachel Freier Is Not Your Typical Civil Court Candidate|last=Arbesfeld|first=Atara|date=July 14, 2016|work=The Jewish Press|accessdate=October 31, 2016}}

Freier and her husband shared an office in Borough Park, where she practiced commercial and residential estate law, and he did commercial financing.

Freier also had a law office in Monroe, New York, where she did business with Hasidic residents of nearby Kiryas Joel.{{Cite news|url=http://www.recordonline.com/article/20100716/OPINION/7160311|title=My View: Hasidim must overcome adversity from within|first=Chris|last=McKenna|work=Times Herald-Record|date=July 16, 2010|access-date=January 3, 2017}} She advocated for the Satmar{{Cite news|url=http://www.recordonline.com/article/20080215/NEWS/802150349|title=chief rabbi of Satmar Hasidim decreed new laws to cut down cost of weddings among Hasidic Jews|first=John|last=Sullivan|work=Times Herald-Record|date=February 15, 2008|access-date=January 3, 2017}} Hasidic Community by speaking to residents of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties, to help correct misconceptions people might have about Hasidic life in Kiryas Joel,{{Cite news|url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2008/07/27/hasidic-women-address-story/52323797007/|title=Hasidic women address story, Kiryas Joel|first=John|last=Sullivan|work=Times Herald-Record|date=July 27, 2008|access-date=January 26, 2008}} and to better understand the Hasidic neighbors in their midst.{{Cite news|url=http://www.recordonline.com/article/20080212/NEWS/802120317|title=Bridging a cultural divide|first=John|last=Sullivan|work=Times Herald-Record|date=February 12, 2008|access-date=January 3, 2017}}

Freier began her political career in 2001 as an intern in the Manhattan office of then-U.S. Senator from New York Hillary Clinton.{{cite web |url=http://freierforcivilcourt.com/rachel-ruchie-freier/ |title=Rachel "Ruchie" Freier — Freier for Civil Court |website=Freierforcivilcourt.com |accessdate=March 3, 2017 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101231804/http://freierforcivilcourt.com/rachel-ruchie-freier/ |archivedate=January 1, 2017 }} She also interned for other elected officials.{{Cite news|url=http://matzav.com/boro-park-ruchie-freier-wins-democratic-primary-for-civil-court-judge/|title=Ruchie interned for elected officials, including NYS Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton|first=Andy|last=Heller|work=Matzav.com|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017}}

File:Judge Freier and VP harris.jpg Kamala Harris with Rachel Freier at the Hanukkah reception in the VP Official Residence

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In April 2016, Freier announced her candidacy for civil court judge, running for the spot on the bench vacated by Judge Noach Dear.{{cite web|title=Chasidic Trailblazer Ruchie Freier Faces Gender Test In Judgeship Run|url=https://www.kingscountypolitics.com/chasidic-woman-trailblazer-ruchie-freier-faces-test-judgeship-run/|website=Kings County Politics|date=May 27, 2016 |accessdate=May 27, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.vosizneias.com/236121/2016/04/12/new-york-female-chasidic-lawyer-announces-plans-to-run-for-open-brooklyn-civil-court-judge-position/|title=Female Chasidic Lawyer Announces Plans To Run For Open Brooklyn Civil Court Judge Position|first=Sandy|last=Eller|date=April 12, 2016|accessdate=February 6, 2017|work=Vosizneias}}

In the September 2016 Democratic primary election for Civil Court Judge of the Kings County 5th judicial district, Freier garnered 4,730 votes (40.9 percent), followed by Jill Epstein with 3,993 votes (34.5 percent), and Morton Avigdor with 2,835 votes (24.5 percent).{{cite web |url=https://project.wnyc.org/election2016-ny-state/?district=brooklyn_civil_court-5|title=New York Primary Results|date=September 29, 2016|accessdate=November 6, 2016|newspaper=WNYC}} She entered the November general election, with Avigdor as a Conservative Party challenger, and received 68,088 votes (74.4 percent), to his 23,393 votes (25.6 percent).{{cite web|title=New York Results|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/new-york-brooklyn-civil-court-district-5|newspaper=New York Times|accessdate=December 25, 2016}}

Freier was endorsed in the three-way race during the elections by The Jewish Press{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/editorial/rachel-freier-for-civil-court-judge-in-brooklyn/2016/08/10/|title=Rachel Freier For Civil Court Judge In Brooklyn|last=Editorial|first=Board|date=August 10, 2016|newspaper=The Jewish Press|accessdate=December 26, 2016}} and the New York Daily News.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/judge-dread-article-1.2786150|title=The choice in this three-way race is Rachel Freier|last=Editorial|first=Board|date=September 12, 2016|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=December 26, 2016}}

On December 22, 2016, she was sworn-in at Brooklyn Borough Hall.{{Cite news|url=http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2016/12/27/brooklyn-swears-nations-first-female-hasidic-judge|title=Brooklyn swears in nation's first female Hasidic judge|last=Abruzzese|first=Rob|date=December 27, 2016|newspaper=Brooklyn Eagle|access-date=February 6, 2017}} She delivered a speech that included Hebrew and Yiddish phrases and concepts which she translated into English.{{cite web|url=http://www.fox5ny.com/news/ny-civil-court-judge-is-1st-hasidic-woman-on-bench|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131744/http://www.fox5ny.com/news/ny-civil-court-judge-is-1st-hasidic-woman-on-bench|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 1, 2017|title=NY Civil Court Judge is 1st Hasidic Woman on Bench|first=Arthue|last=Chi'en|date=December 23, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2016|work=Fox 5 News}} Her inauguration ceremony was carried live on WABC-TV and News 12.{{cite web|url=http://brooklyn.news12.com/story/34773898/first-hasidic-woman-inaugurated-as-brooklyn-judge|title=First Hasidic Woman Inaugurated as Judge|first=Lenneia|last=Batiste|date=December 23, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2016|work=News 12}}

On hand for her swearing-in was Hasidic singer Lipa Schmeltzer, who sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" with bits of Yiddish{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4898330,00.html|title=First Haredi female judge elected in NYC|date=December 22, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2016|work=Ynetnews|last1=Negler-Cohen |first1=Liran }} and "God Bless America" in full Yiddish version.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/first-hasidic-woman-judge-sworn-in-with-yiddish-song/|title=First Hasidic woman judge sworn in with Yiddish song|first=Renee|last=Ghert-Zand|date=December 22, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2016|work=The Times of Israel}}{{cite web |url=http://www.vosizneias.com/257599/2016/12/22/brooklyn-ny-wearing-chasidic-heritage-proudly-ruchie-freier-inducted-as-civil-court-judge/|title=Wearing Chasidic Heritage Proudly, Ruchie Freier Inducted As Civil Court Judge|first=Sandy|last=Eller|date=December 22, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2016|work=Vosizneias}}

Subsequent to her swearing-in, Freier was assigned to serve on the New York City Criminal Court.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/nyregion/judge-ruchie-the-hasidic-superwoman-of-night-court.html|title=Judge Ruchie the Hasidic Superwoman of Night Court|last=Otterman|first=Sharon|date=November 17, 2017|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=November 17, 2017}}

File:AG Tish James.jpg Letitia James swearing-in Rachel Freier as Supreme Court Justice of NY, at her inauguration in Brooklyn Law School

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In December 2017, Megyn Kelly welcomed Freier to the Today Show{{cite web|url= https://www.today.com/video/megyn-kelly-welcomes-the-hasidic-superwoman-of-night-court-1120603715569|title=Megyn Kelly welcomes the 'Hasidic superwoman of night court'|first=Megyn|last=Kelly|date=December 20, 2017|work=Today Show}} as the woman The New York Times has called “the Hasidic superwoman of night court”; she was featured in the series “She’s Got Faith,” marking her one-year anniversary on the bench.{{cite web|url=http://pix11.com/2018/01/03/hasidic-grandmother-breaks-barriers-on-brooklyn-judicial-bench-and-serves-as-role-model/|title=Hasidic grandmother breaks barriers on Brooklyn judicial bench and serves as role model|first=Jay|last=Dow|date=January 3, 2018|work=PIX11}}

In July 2022, Freier announced her candidacy for Supreme Court Judge, running for one of the 10 vacancies on Brooklyn's Supreme Court.{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/interviews-and-profiles/the-peoples-judge-ruchie-freiers-crusade-to-become-boro-parks-voice-on-brooklyn-supreme-court/2022/07/20/|title= The People's Judge: Ruchie Freier's Crusade To Become Boro Park's Voice On Brooklyn Supreme Court|last=Greenwald|first=Ziona|date=July 20, 2022|work=The Jewish Press|accessdate=July 20, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://vinnews.com/2022/07/25/hoping-to-better-represent-chasidic-community-freier-urges-voters-to-support-her-supreme-court-bid/|title=Hoping to Better Represent Chasidic Community, Freier Urges Voters to Support Her Supreme Court Bid|first=Sandy|last=Eller|date=July 25, 2022|accessdate=July 25, 2022|work=Vosizneias}}

In January 2023, Freier was appointed as acting New York Supreme Court justice by her supervisors to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court, Religious leaders say she is the first Hasidic woman to hold this role.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/rachel-freier-believed-to-be-first-hasidic-woman-to-be-new-york-state-supreme-court-judge/|title=Rachel Freier believed to be first Hasidic woman to be New York State Supreme Court judge|date=February 6, 2023|work=CBS News}}{{cite web|url=https://brooklyn.news12.com/brooklyn-hasidic-jewish-woman-earns-spot-on-the-new-york-supreme-court|title=Rachel Freier believed to be first Hasidic woman to be New York State Supreme Court judge|date=February 13, 2023|work=News 12}}{{cite web|url=https://vinnews.com/2023/02/07/making-history-again-freier-ascends-to-state-supreme-court-bench/|title=Making History Again, Freier Ascends To State Supreme Court Bench|date=February 7, 2023|work=Vosizneias}}

In August 2023, Freier was nominated as a Supreme Court Justice candidate for a 14-year term, the vote was conducted by Brooklyn District Leaders at the Judicial Convention.{{cite web|url=https://vinnews.com/2023/08/10/another-milestone-for-freier-who-becomes-first-hasidic-woman-nominated-to-supreme-court-bench/|title=Another Milestone for Freier, who Becomes First Hasidic Woman Nominated to Supreme Court Bench|date=August 10, 2023|work=Vosizneias}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/ny/acting-justice-rachel-freir-secures-democrat-nod-for-supreme-court/2023/08/19/|title=Acting Justice Rachel Freir Secures Democrat Nod for Supreme Court|last=Levi-Julian|first=Hana|date=August 19, 2023|newspaper=The Jewish Press|accessdate=August 19, 2023}}

On November 7, 2023, she was elected to the court in her own right in the general election.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/ny-supreme-court-results-2023/|title=NY Supreme Court Results 2023|date=November 8, 2023|work=CBS News}}

On November 15, 2023, Freier was sworn-in by New York Attorney General Letitia James as Supreme Court Justice of NY.{{cite web|title=Rachel Freier sworn in as NY's first Hasidic female supreme court judge|url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2023/11/17/first-hasidic-female-supreme-court-justice/|newspaper=Brooklyn Eagle|date=November 21, 2023 |accessdate=November 21, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishpress.com/sections/features/judge-ruchie-freier-sworn-into-new-york-state-supreme-court-as-first-chassidic-female-judge/2023/11/17/|title=Judge Ruchie Freier Sworn into New York State Supreme Court as First Chassidic Female Judge|last=Meyer|first=Chaim Yehuda|date=November 17, 2023|newspaper=The Jewish Press|accessdate=November 17, 2023}} Her inauguration ceremony was held at Brooklyn Law School,{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklaw.edu/News-and-Events/News/2023/11/Hon-Rachel-Freier-05-Celebrates-Supreme-Achievement-at-Brooklyn-Law-Swearing-In-Ceremony|title=Hon. Rachel Freier '05 Celebrates Supreme Achievement at Brooklyn Law Swearing-In Ceremony|work=Brooklyn Law School|date=November 22, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}} and it was carried live on TV News 12.{{cite web|url=https://brooklyn.news12.com/rachel-freier-makes-history-as-first-hasidic-female-judge-to-serve-on-ny-supreme-court|title=Rachel Freier makes history as first Hasidic female judge to serve on NY Supreme Court|first= Mary-Lyn|last=Buckley|date=November 15, 2023|accessdate=November 15, 2023|work=News 12}}

File:Eric adams.png Eric Adams giving Rachel Freier an award at her inauguration in Brooklyn Borough Hall

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File:93Queen.jpg Bus Stops, publicized by The Mayor's Office of Media Entertainment]]

In 2005, Freier established Chasdei Devorah, Inc.,{{cite web|url=https://opengovny.com/corporation/3060179|title=Chasdei Devorah Inc.}} a non-profit charity organization to help poor Jewish families, in memory of a young friend.{{cite web|url= http://www.jta.org/2016/10/27/news-opinion/united-states/a-brooklyn-judge-becomes-americas-first-hasidic-woman-to-serve-in-public-office/|title=Americas first Hasidic woman judge|date=October 27, 2017|accessdate=January 2, 2017|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}}

In 2008, Freier was one of the founders of B'Derech, a GED program for Haredi youth at-risk.{{cite web|url=http://www.bensonhurstbean.com/2016/09/37870/|title=A Woman Of Many Hats: An Interview With Rachel "Ruchie" Freier, The First Female Chassidic Civil Court Judge|date=September 29, 2016|work=Bensonhurst Bean|access-date=October 31, 2016|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041355/http://www.bensonhurstbean.com/2016/09/37870/|archivedate=November 1, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york/rebel-cause-chasidic-mom-shatters-stereotypes|title=Rebel With A Cause: Chasidic Mom Shatters Stereotypes|first=Renee|last=Harari|date=October 13, 2016|newspaper=The Jewish Week|access-date=October 31, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107020057/http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york/rebel-cause-chasidic-mom-shatters-stereotypes|url-status=dead}} The organization also helps troubled teens with therapy and hypnosis.{{cite web|url=http://www.vosizneias.com/38274/2009/09/13/brooklyn-ny-organization-that-helps-troubled-teens-tries-method-of-hypnosis-video/|title=B'Derech Organization That Helps Troubled Teens Tries Method Of Hypnosis|last=Eller|work=Vosizneias|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=January 2, 2017}}

The program launched in partnership with the New York branch of Bramson ORT College adding a Men's Division{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/culture/182589/brooklyn-ged-program-seeks-to-help-put-haredi-men/|title=Brooklyn GED Program Seeks To Help Put Haredi Men On the Path to Employment|work=The Forward|first=Yermi |last=Brenner|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=December 25, 2016}} and Women’s Division.{{cite web|url=http://www.vosizneias.com/96359/2011/12/06/brooklyn-ny-be28099derech-ged-program-flourishing-and-adding-womene28099s-division/|title=B'Derech GED Program Flourishing and Adding Women's Division|first=Sandy|last=Eller|work=Vosizneias|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 25, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602053059/http://www.vosizneias.com/96359/2011/12/06/brooklyn-ny-be28099derech-ged-program-flourishing-and-adding-womene28099s-division/|url-status=dead}}

In 2010, Freier advocated to save Breslov Yeshiva in Williamsburg, in spite of opposition from some who harassed the students and maligned the Rabbi, Yoel Roth.{{cite web|url= http://theantitzemach.blogspot.com/2014/08/blog-post_94.html|title=Attorney Mrs. Ruchie Freier visits Rabbi Yoeli Roth's Yeshivah|work=theantitzemach|date=August 20, 2014 |accessdate=August 20, 2014}} Freier received threats for defending the yeshiva, but she won the court case.{{cite web|url=http://www.vosizneias.com/98192/2012/01/04/new-york-on-feminism-and-fanaticism-a-female-charedi-attorneys-perspective/|title=On Feminism and Fanaticism: A Female Charedi Attorney's Perspective|first=Sandy|last=Eller|work=Vosizneias|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2012}}

In 2011, she founded Ezras Nashim, an all-female Orthodox Jewish volunteer EMT ambulance service established with the goal of preserving women's modesty in emergency medical situations, especially childbirth.{{Cite web|url=https://vosizneias.com/2019/11/11/female-emts-bringing-dignity-to-chaos/|title=Frum Female Hatzolah Volunteer In Israel Decries Ban Against Ezras Nashim|date=November 11, 2019|website=Vos Iz Neias|language=en-US|access-date=November 12, 2019}}

Freier is a licensed EMT, and has completed advanced training to qualify as a New York State paramedic.{{cite web|title=EMTs and Paramedics|url=http://www.healthcareersinfo.net/emts-paramedics/|website=New York Health Careers|date=June 4, 2012 |accessdate=November 8, 2016}} She has served on Borough Park's Community Board 12, and performed pro bono legal services for the New York City Family Court.

Freier appeared in a documentary about Ezras Nashim, entitled 93Queen, which was directed by filmmaker Paula Eiselt.{{cite web|url=https://filmmakermagazine.com/98599-paula-eiselt-birthing-her-hasidic-ems-documentary-93queen-at-the-ifp-documentary-lab/|title=Paula Eiselt on Birthing Her Hasidic EMS Documentary 93QUEEN at the IFP Documentary Lab|first=Paula|last=Eiselt|date=May 25, 2016|work=Filmmaker Magazine}} The film premiered on May 1, 2018, at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.{{cite web|url=https://boxoffice.hotdocs.ca/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=73552~6d071c1e-1d5b-4e4e-ab61-2b9caf21a7fd|title=93QUEEN|first=Charlotte|last=Selb|date=March 23, 2018|work=Hot Docs}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cjnews.com/culture/entertainment/documentary-about-female-hasidic-trailblazers-gets-world-premiere-in-canada|title=Documentary about female Hasidic trailblazers gets world premiere in Canada|first=Michael|last=Fraiman|date=April 30, 2018|work= Canadian Jewish News}} The film aired on PBS's POV, marking its television debut, on September 17, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://blog.womenandhollywood.com/exclusive-hasidic-women-form-nycs-first-all-female-volunteer-ambulance-corps-in-93queen-trailer-a5a690b02429|title=Hasidic Women Form NYC's First All-Female Volunteer Ambulance Corps in "93Queen" Trailer|first=Laura|last=Berger|date=March 23, 2018|work=women and hollywood}}

File:Judge Freier in City Hall.jpg with a Proclamation Award for being elected as the first Hasidic woman to public office in New York City, September 7, 2017]]

In September 2017, Freier was honored at the New York City Hall in the Council Chambers with a "Proclamation Award" presented by the Speaker & Council-members of the Jewish Caucus for her achievement of becoming the First Hasidic Woman elected to Public Office in New York City.{{cite web|title=Civil Court Judge Rachel honored in the City Council Chambers.|url=https://www.kingscountypolitics.com/melendez-sheares-frias-colon-roper-edwards-take-civil-court-judgeship-seats/|website=Kings County Politics|date=September 14, 2017 |accessdate=September 14, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Media Advisory NYC Council to Honor Judge Freier|url=http://myemail.constantcontact.com/ADVISORY--NYC-COUNCIL-TO-HONOR-1ST-HASIDIC-FEMALE-JUDGE.html?soid=1102557709761&aid=sSvQlPb-6iQ|website=Constant Contact|accessdate=September 7, 2017}}

In 2017, Freier was chosen by The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli newspaper, as #40 of the "50 Most Influential Jews" in the world.{{cite web|title=# 40 Rachel Freier and Nechama Spiegel - Personifying shifts in the haredi world|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/40-Rachel-Freier-and-Nechama-Spiegel-Personifying-shifts-in-the-haredi-world-505314|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=September 20, 2017 |accessdate=September 20, 2017}}{{cite web|title=50 Most Influential Jews in the world Year 2017|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Jposts-50-most-influential-Jews-ranking-2017-505385|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=September 18, 2017 |accessdate=September 18, 2017}} In 2016, she was named one of the "15 Most Influential Jews" in the world by Makor Rishon, another Israeli newspaper.{{cite web|title=15 Most Influential Jews in the world|url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/11/ART2/853/247.html|website=NRG|accessdate=December 24, 2016}}{{cite web|title=J Factor: 15 Most Influential Jews in the world|url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/11/ART2/872/558.html|website=NRG|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}

File:Judge Freier with ezras nashim in albany.jpg in Albany]]

Also in 2016, Freier's judgeship was selected by Kings County Politics as one of the "Top 10 Stories" among political events in New York City that year.{{cite web|title=Kings County Politics Top 10 Stories Of 2016|url=http://www.kingscountypolitics.com/kings-county-politics-top-10-stories-2016/|website=Kings County Politics|date=December 30, 2016 |accessdate=December 30, 2016}} She was also listed by City & State magazine as one of the "Winners" among politicians of New York State that year,{{cite web|title=WINNERS & LOSERS 12/30/16|url=http://cityandstateny.com/articles/personality/winners-and-losers/winners-and-losers-12/30/16.html/|website=City & State|date=December 30, 2016 |accessdate=December 30, 2016}} and was a recipient of Jew in the City's "Orthodox Jewish All Stars Award".{{cite web|title=Announcing Jew in the City's 5th Annual Orthodox Jewish All Stars|url=http://jewinthecity.com/2016/11/announcing-jew-in-the-citys-5th-annual-orthodox-jewish-all-stars/|website=Jew in the City|accessdate=November 15, 2016|archive-date=November 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118103917/http://jewinthecity.com/2016/11/announcing-jew-in-the-citys-5th-annual-orthodox-jewish-all-stars/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Orthodox Jewish All Star, Ruchie Freier, First Hasidic Female Judge|url=http://jewinthecity.com/2017/11/orthodox-jewish-all-star-ruchie-freier-first-hasidic-female-judge/|website=Jew in the City|accessdate=November 8, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112215956/http://jewinthecity.com/2017/11/orthodox-jewish-all-star-ruchie-freier-first-hasidic-female-judge/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Jew In The City Proves That You Can Have Your Cake And Eat It Too, As Long As It's Kosher|url=http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/jew-in-the-city-proves-that-you-can-have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too-as-long-as-its-kosher/|website=The Times of Israel|accessdate=November 7, 2017}}

In September 2018, Freier was named by the Algemeiner Journal among the "J100" list of "top 100 people" positively influencing Jewish life.{{cite web|title=the Algemeiner Jewish 100|url=https://www.algemeiner.com/the-top-100-people-positively-influencing-jewish-life-2018/|newspaper=Algemeiner Journal|accessdate=September 15, 2018}} In December 2018, Freier was named in The "Forward 50"{{cite web|title=Forward 50 2018|url=https://forward.com/series/forward-50/2018/|newspaper=The Forward|accessdate=December 10, 2018}} list of American Jews who have a profound impact on the American Jewish community.{{cite web|title=Judge Freier, Ambulance Group Founder And Community Leader For Hasidic Women|url=https://forward.com/series/forward-50/2018/ruchie-freier/|newspaper=The Forward|date=December 3, 2018 |accessdate=December 10, 2018}} In October 2018, Freier was inducted into the Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame;{{cite web|title=Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame, 2018|url=http://brooklynjewish.org/brooklyn-jewish-hall-of-fame/brooklyn-jewish-hall-of-fame-2018/#Freier|website=Brooklyn Jewish Org|accessdate=October 16, 2018}} she received an award recognized among the leading Brooklynites.{{cite web|title=Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame celebrates achievements|url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/10/16/brooklyn-jewish-hall-of-fame-celebrates-achievements-of-those-who-call-borough-home/|newspaper=Brooklyn Eagle|date=October 16, 2018 |accessdate=October 16, 2018}}

In May 2019, Freier was awarded by Lufthansa Airlines for saving the life of a passenger who had a medical emergency onboard, when she was able to provide medical care in mid-flight.{{cite web|title=Judge Ruchie Freier Saves A Passenger Aboard Lufthansa Flight|url=https://matzav.com/judge-ruchie-freier-saves-a-passenger-aboard-lufthansa-flight/|website=Matzav|accessdate=June 24, 2019}}{{cite web|title=Chasidic Judge Saves Passenger's Life Mid-Flight|url=https://collive.com/chasidic-judge-saves-passengers-life-mid-flight/|website=COLlive|date=June 25, 2019 |accessdate=June 25, 2019}}

In January 2020, Freier along with a delegation of Ezras Nashim members were recognized in front of the entire New York State Assembly in the Assembly Chambers of the New York State Capitol Building in Albany, a resolution was passed recognizing the EMT members for their volunteer efforts of preserving women’s dignity during emergencies,{{cite web|title=Ezras Nashim Recognized in the Capitol of Albany|url=https://vosizneias.com/2020/01/14/ezras-nashim-recognized-in-the-capitol-of-albany/|website=Vosizneias|date=January 14, 2020 |accessdate=January 14, 2020}} Freier and the delegation had afterwards a private meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul in the Capitol Building.{{cite web|url=https://jewishinsider.com/2021/08/jewish-leaders-kathy-hochul/|title=Judge Rachel Freier meets with NY Governor Kathy Hochul|date=August 11, 2021|work=Jewishinsider}}

File:Judge Rachel Freier meets with NY Governor Kathy Hochul.jpg Kathy Hochul in Albany]]

She married David Freier, a Bobover Hasid, with whom she has three sons and three daughters. They reside in the Borough Park Hasidic community of Brooklyn. Freier credits support from family and her husband for success.{{cite web|title=Chasidic woman judge keeps her faith, Credits support from family and husband for success|url=https://njjewishnews.timesofisrael.com/chasidic-woman-judge-keeps-her-faith/|website=New Jersey Jewish News|accessdate=January 16, 2019}} Freier spends her personal time inspiring Jewish woman in Judaism by speaking at Jewish schools,{{cite web|title=Judge Ruchie Freier inspires girls at HANC|url=https://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/judge-ruchie-freier-inspires-girls-at-hanc,13264|website=The Jewish Star|date=March 10, 2017 |accessdate=March 10, 2017}} Jewish organizations i.e. OU Kosher Headquarters{{cite web|title=Judge Ruchie Freier from OU Headquarters|url=https://www.ou.org/watch-judge-ruchie-freier-ou-headquarters/|website=OU Kosher Headquarters|accessdate=June 28, 2017}} and Jewish Federations.Alyssa Schmitt, [https://www.jewishcleveland.org/news/blog/womens_philanthropy_spring_brunch_cjn_2019 "Women's Philanthropy Spring Brunch Welcomes First Female Chasidic Judge in US"], June 7, 2019, Jewish Federations. Freier also speaks at Chabad Centers{{cite web|url=https://www.thedp.com/article/2018/02/judge-rachel-freier-upenn-penn-law-judaism-legal-law-philadelphia|title=The country's first Hasidic woman judge spoke at Penn's Chabad House on Wednesday|first=Katie|last=Bontje|date=February 14, 2018|newspaper=The Daily Pennsylvanian|access-date=January 19, 2023}} all over the world, inspiring Jewish woman bringing them closer to Judaism known as the "Kiruv Movement".{{cite web|title=Chasidic Judge Inspires at Chabad Event|url=https://collive.com/chasidic-judge-inspires-at-event/|newspaper=COLlive|date=January 19, 2023}}

• List of first women lawyers and judges in New York
• List of first women lawyers and judges in the United States
• Ezras Nashim

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2016/40/all-checkin-judge-rachel-freier-2016-09-30-bk.html "Checkin' in with... New York's first female Hasidic civil court judge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107012711/http://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2016/40/all-checkin-judge-rachel-freier-2016-09-30-bk.html |date=November 7, 2016 }} Brooklyn Daily, September 30, 2016
• [http://forward.com/articles/172778/a-mother-is-who-i-am/ "A Mother Is Who I Am" by Rachel Freier] The Forward, March 13, 2013
• [https://ballotpedia.org/Rachel_Freier "Rachel Freier is the judge for the New York City Civil Court in New York"] Ballotpedia, November 8, 2016
• [https://www.ezras-nashim.org/services/ "Emergency Medical Care for Women by Certified Volunteer Female EMTs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202204458/https://www.ezras-nashim.org/services/ |date=February 2, 2017 }} Ezras Nashim, January 22, 2017
• [https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-93queen-review-20180814-story.html "Review: ‘93Queen’ offers an insider’s view of women’s lives in a self-contained Hasidic community"], LA Times, August 14, 2018
• [https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/24/movies/93queen-review.html "Review: ‘93Queen’ Follows Female Jewish EMS Workers in Brooklyn"], NY Times, July 24, 2018

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Category:1965 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Borough Park, Brooklyn

Category:Touro College alumni

Category:Brooklyn Law School alumni

Category:New York state court judges

Category:American Orthodox Jews

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Category:American women judges

Category:People associated with Willkie Farr & Gallagher

Category:American lawyers

Category:American women founders