Judge Lee First, 97, OBM

By COLlive and The Jewish Link

Judge Lee First, a pioneering attorney and respected New York judge who broke barriers for women in the legal field while remaining deeply rooted in her family’s Torah values, passed away on Thursday, 6 Iyar, 5786.

She was 97.

Born in Europe to Rabbi Benzion Blech, Lea, who later changed her name to Lee for her work, experienced the upheaval of World War II firsthand before her family immigrated to the United States. Her father, a proud and steadfast Yid, famously expressed gratitude to America in a 1954 letter after his daughter passed the New York State Bar exam on her first attempt — a rare achievement for a woman at the time.

Rabbi Blech was known for his unwavering commitment to Yiddishkeit. Even in times and places where it was uncommon, he refused to compromise on his appearance or values, maintaining his beard and traditional Orthodox dress despite ridicule. He instilled in his family the importance of remaining authentic and true to one’s identity, a lesson that would guide his daughter throughout her life.

At a time when female lawyers were few and often dismissed, Judge First faced significant challenges. There were only three women in her law class, and even in court, she was once told to leave and send in her husband instead. Undeterred, she persevered, later becoming a judge among the very small number of women to hold such a position in New York.

Known for her warmth and authenticity, as well as her sharp wit and personality, Judge First remained true to herself throughout her career. Though she once had the opportunity to take on a television role similar to a courtroom personality, she declined, explaining that she would not compromise her kind and genuine nature.

Her life was shaped by the values instilled by her father, who emphasized remaining true to one’s identity. Those values guided her both professionally and personally, including her eventual marriage to her husband, Harry First, who embraced a Torah-observant life.

Judge First built a large and vibrant family, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — many of whom are active in Jewish life and shlichus around the world. Her daughter, Sara Gopin, is a Lubavitcher who lives in Rechovot, Israel. Judge First was very proud of her Chabad children and grandchildren, on Shlichus in various places from India to Belgium to Russia to Germany, telling the Jewish Link: “They are all over the world, making people frum.”

Even in her later years, she remained active and was known for her sharp and joyful humor. She shared Torah and Jewish insights as an Instagram and YouTube personality, connecting with others, and continuing her lifelong commitment to helping people, including matchmaking.

She is survived by her children, Mitchell First, Sara Gopin and Seth First, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The Levaya will take place today, Friday, at Riverdale Jewish Center, 3700 Independence Ave, New York, NY 10463, US, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Followed by burial at King Solomon Memorial cemetery, 550 Dwasline Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012, US, on April 24, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.