Holocaust Survivors Honored By Prominent West Hartford Synagogue

Emanuel Synagogue

WEST HARTFORD, CT – A prominent West Hartford synagogue recently named its religious school after two Holocaust survivors who went on to serve their local community for decades.

The Emanuel Synagogue recently announced it has named its religious school in honor of Rabbi Philip and Ruth Lazowski, Holocaust survivors and "beloved spiritual leaders who have dedicated their lives to education and community service," according to the synagogue.

The dedication comes as Rabbi Lazowski celebrated his 95th birthday June 13 and Ruth Lazsowski marked her 90 birthday on June 9.

"Rabbi Philip and Ruth Lazowski have spent their lives teaching how light can shine through the darkness," wrote the synagogue, located at 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford.

"For decades, Rabbi Lazowski and Ruth have been at the forefront of Holocaust education, telling their story and teaching the importance of faith, even amid overwhelming evil. They are both treasures of the Jewish people and very deserving of this significant recognition."

The couple has been called " beloved spiritual, religious and educational leaders" for the congregants of The Emanuel, Beth Hillel, and Beth Sholom synagogues.

The honor came as the synagogue community gathered to celebrate both Rabbi Lazowski and Ruth Lazowski's milestone birthdays during Shabbat Services on June 15.

"Rabbi Philip and Ruth Lazowski have spent their lives teaching how light can shine through the darkness," said Reesa Olins, president of the board of trustees, The Emanuel Synagogue. "We are inspired by their lifetimes of selflessly serving the Jewish community and building bridges with other faith communities.”

“The growing religious school serves as an outstanding model of what engaging and meaningful supplemental Jewish education should be, making it the perfect venue to honor Rabbi and Ruth Lazowski,” added Reesa Olins. “For the generations that will pass through the Religious School, honoring the Laskowskis will be a permanent reminder of their lasting impact, their love for Judaism and the Jewish people.”

In taking this action, the Emanuel Synagogue again expressed its gratitude to Louis Mitnick and the Mitnick family for their longstanding support of the congregation.

The Louis Mitnick Wing of the synagogue building continues to provide versatile space for educational programs.