President Donald Trump has appointed Judge Matthew H. Solomson, a proud shomer Torah u’mitzvos whose bio notes his enjoyment of learning Gemara, as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Judge Solomson, a Silver Spring, Maryland resident, is the first Orthodox Jew to be named chief judge on this prestigious federal bench. He is a regular kollel attendee at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and serves as a dean at the Tikvah Legal Fellowship, guiding aspiring Jewish lawyers in integrating Jewish and American ideals.
“Of course, this appointment is a result of his legal acumen and record of excellence,” Nathan Diament, Executive Director of the OU Advocacy Center, told JNS. “But for Orthodox Jews across the country—especially young attorneys—it’s a powerful reminder that one can be deeply committed to Torah and reach the highest levels of public service.”
Tevi Troy, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, echoed that sentiment, noting that Solomson “literally wrote the book” on federal claims litigation and has earned respect not just for his expertise but for his moral clarity. “He took a courageous stand against the antisemitic, pro-Hamas chaos on campuses,” Troy added. “He made clear he wouldn’t accept clerks from institutions that tolerate that behavior.”
Writing on LinkedIn, Judge Solomson expressed gratitude to Hashem and to his wife, Lisa, saying, “As my family and I celebrate Pesach… I am reminded about the nature of true freedom.” He quoted Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, who contrasted anarchy with the cheirus celebrated on Pesach—“a freedom that mirrors the ordered liberty of our miraculous Constitution.”
Judge Solomson’s bio also reflects a uniquely Jewish-American journey: the son of a U.S. Army colonel, grandson of immigrants who came to America seeking opportunity and freedom, and now a federal judge entrusted with overseeing cases of justice between the citizen and the government.
Outside the courtroom, Judge Solomson is known for his devotion to limud haTorah, his role as an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University – and his enjoyment of tennis and beach time with his family.
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3 Responses
One day after the 32nd yartzeit of the Rav ztl, it is worth remembering that two talmidim of the Rav, one the valedictorian of NYU law school, were the first orthodox jews hired by a top law firm 66 years ago. The Rav spoke to non-Jewish leaders of the firm urging them to hire his talmidim. the rest is history. The two, now around 90 years old were BH maarich yamim.
I never quite understood how a Yid could accept a position as a judge on a secular court where he must judge Yidden, or even two opposing Yidden in a case, in accordance with secular law that can be at odds with Halacha.
knew someone was gonna comment on the yu part