Born in Newark in 1892, the eldest of seven children, Elizabeth Blume knew by eighth grade that she would become a lawyer. The world around her had other ideas—women weren’t supposed to argue in court, let alone win. But Elizabeth wasn’t asking for permission. By 1911, she had graduated from New Jersey Law School (now Rutgers School of Law–Newark), three years before she could even be admitted to the bar. When the law finally caught up with her ambition in 1913, she became one of the first woman attorneys in New Jersey.
Her talent was undeniable. In 1916, she was elected to the American Jewish Congress and was chosen to lead a parade of 40,000 protesting Senate ratification of a treaty discriminating against Polish people. In 1918, she became the first woman attorney in New Jersey to independently defend a client in a homicide case—and she won. At a time when many still questioned whether women belonged in the courtroom, she proved they could not only belong but dominate. Later, she led twenty-five thousand marchers in Newark’s Balfour parade. In 1923, Elizabeth was elected to the American Jewish Congress for a second time.
Her legal career was marked by many firsts. During World War I, she served as a legal adviser on the Essex County Draft Board, becoming the first woman to hold such a position. In 1932, she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman from New Jersey’s 12th district to serve as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. Her advocacy helped shape policy on critical issues, including the repeal of Prohibition.
In the halls of justice, Elizabeth Blume Silverstein left an indelible mark on the legal profession, breaking barriers, and challenging injustice wherever it was found. Her landmark legal victories not only advanced the cause of justice but also set a precedent for future generations of legal scholars and practitioners to follow.
A fierce advocate for women’s rights, she joined the Women’s Political Union and the League of Women Voters, pushing for suffrage and equal rights. She understood that legal victories meant little if women weren’t empowered to take full advantage of them. Her groundbreaking efforts paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations without fear or hesitation.
Beyond the courtroom, Elizabeth Blume Silverstein was a passionate champion for Jewish causes. In 1936, she co-founded the World Jewish Congress with her husband, Max Silverstein, and Rabbi Stephen Wise, where they represented global Jewish advocacy at the Geneva Convention. She served as a delegate to its first assembly, working to protect Jewish rights on an international scale. She also held leadership positions within Jewish organizations, including serving as president of the Louis D. Brandeis Lodge of the Independent Order Brith Abraham, where she was the first woman to hold a national executive role.
Archival practices come from ancient Roman law known as perpetuam rei memoriam, which commemorates something important, significant, and trustworthy for “perpetual record.” The Jewish Historical Society of Greater MetroWest NJ (JHS) carries this mission forward, preserving the legacies of trailblazers like Elizabeth Blume Silverstein. Her life was a force of courage and determination, and her pioneering achievements in law, her advocacy for Jewish causes, and her dedication to women’s rights left a lasting impact on history—one that JHS ensures will never be forgotten.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of one woman’s resolve to create a more just and equitable world.
Explore the Jewish Historical Society’s digital archives to learn more about Elizabeth Blume Silverstein and countless others who shaped Greater MetroWest NJ.