The Jewish Lawyers Guild recently hosted its 47th annual gala, using the occasion to recognize two prominent figures within the New York judicial system. The event, which took place last week, celebrated high-ranking jurists with awards named after significant figures in Jewish history.

Honoring New York's Judicial Excellence

The gala was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. The organization presented the Benjamin N. Cardozo Award to Justice Jeffrey Sunshine.

The Benjamin N. Cardozo Award Recipient

Justice Sunshine is the longtime Brooklyn Supreme Court justice currently serving as the statewide coordinating judge for matrimonial matters. The award is named for Benjamin N. Cardozo, the famed New York native who served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1914 to 1932.

The Golda Meir Memorial Award Recipient

The Golda Meir Memorial Award was presented to Justice Joseph Capella. Justice Capella holds the position of administrative judge for civil matters in the Bronx Supreme Court. This award honors the legacy of Golda Meir, who served as Israel's prime minister between 1969 and 1974.

Distinguished Guests and Special Recognition

The gathering saw attendance from many of New York's top legal figures. Notable attendees included New York’s Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas and Adam Silvera, the deputy chief administrative judge for New York City courts.

The event also paid tribute to the parents of Edan Alexander, an IDF soldier captured during the October 7th attacks and subsequently freed. The parents were honored for their dedicated advocacy on behalf of all hostages.

Other high-ranking officials present included Appellate Division, First Department Justice Shlomo Hagler and Norman St. George, first deputy chief administrative judge of the New York court system.