DEMAREST — Rabbi Dennis Schulman was on a vacation-cruise with 14 relatives when he called for the first family meeting to decide his future.
Shulman, who has worn many hats in his life, from toy factory worker during his high school days to a present day nationally recognized clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, had been seriously thinking about adding the possibility of politician to the already long list.
The rabbi explained both the positives and negatives of undertaking the new endeavor in front of his family, but ultimately the decision depended on a collaborative open vote. In a unanimous decision, Shulman was going to run for Congress.
"It was a great moment to have that full family support and I couldn’t run for office without it," said Schulman. "It’s an enormous commitment and it should be."
Shulman, 57, felt the need to run because he said, "I’m deeply disturbed by the fact of the person in office now not representing the district on a wide variety of issues." He continued to add that republican incumbent Scott Garrett has voted against environmental legislation and aiding Hurricane Katrina victims and for drilling in the New Jersey shore.
Any commitment Shulman has previously devoted himself to, has always come out in his favor, despite being visually impaired. Throughout his life he has been fighting challenges. He gradually lost his sight during his childhood. So it doesn’t bother him much when people mention the difficult task of unseating Garrett.
"I’m a person that has beaten the odds and challenges get me more excited," said Shulman. "So far I have never lost anything I have set my heart on, and I’m not going to start now."
Democrat Schulman officially declared his candidacy in New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District, which encompasses Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren Counties.
Shulman was born in Worcester, Mass. into a working class family and lost his eyesight at a young age. Many believed he would never graduate high school. Shulman worked at a toy factory to help his parents with bills and due to his triumphs in high school went to college.
"I beat the odds when it came to problem solving," said Shulman.
He attended the Worcester Academy on a full scholarship, which led to his acceptance into Brandeis University. Shulman graduated in the class of 1972 with Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors in addition to various humanitarian awards.
He then attended Harvard University and graduated with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and public practice. Shulman’s next step was teaching at Fordham University, where he founded the National Training Program in Contemporary Psychoanalysis at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, which he is still a part of today.
In 2003, Shulman was ordained as a rabbi and became a published author with his title "The Genius of Genesis: A Psychoanalyst and Rabbi Examines the First Book of the Bible."
Shulman and his wife, Pamela Tropper, an obstetrician and co-chairman of the Global Health Committee at Montefiore Medical Center have lived in the district for 25 years. Their two adult daughters also share the same intent on aiding people in need.
Shulman holds a sacred place for his family and also on a passionate level, politics.
He characterizes himself as a "sensible Democrat," which means "putting problem solving above all considerations.
"It’s said that when all else fails people result to reason and right now it’s that time to resort to reason," said Shulman. "For seven years we’ve been off track."
Most recently Shulman received an official endorsement on Martin Luther King Day from Democrat Paul Aronsohn, who conceded to Garrett in 2006 gaining 43 percent of the vote.
"With an endorsement from Paul Aronsohn it means that someone that’s been through this, knows the ropes and what it takes to win is saying ‘you’re it’," said Shulman. "We can do it and we can do better. His [Aronsohn’s] theme and mine aren’t all that different and I can benefit from all that he’s learned."
Notable political figures have been giving Shulman general advice and the one that he’s taken to heart is "to be myself because people know when you’re faking it."
Campaign Manager Jeff Hauser said going forward Shulman would be meeting as many people both in and outside of the Democratic Party, raising money and just increasing energy and enthusiasm. Shulman has been keeping the same message throughout his campaign and is hoping the support will grow from his 14 family members to thousands of district voters.
"There’s no question it’s going to be hard to win this district, but I would not have gone into this if I didn’t think I had a good chance," said Shulman. "I just want to say to the voters that people that love this county can change it and do not give up. I hope people in this district give me a chance."
E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709
