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Our History

We began, in 1986, with a handful of families who had a hope and dream.  Those dreams were realized thanks to Lewis Sperber and Isabel Sperber (now Isabel Moskowitz).  They had just returned from a mission to Israel for Westport, Weston and Wilton residents.

As High Holidays were approaching, Lewis and Isabel were inspired to start Westport’s own Conservative Synagogue.  At that time, Leo Nevas, whose family is known for their strong commitment to Jewish life, generously gave the struggling congregation a rent free office space above Baskin Robbins (on Bay Street).  Within months, the congregation had grown beyond the walls of Baskin Robbins and Nevas then provided additional space. 

On March 6, 1987, the congregation held its first service.  As a gesture of good will and kinship, Temple Israel of Westport loaned its new neighbor a Torah scroll that would move back and forth between the two synagogues for years.              

In the early 1990’s, the need for a permanent home remained pressing as the congregation’s children moved closer to their B’nei Mitzvah.  After facing several disappointments and opposition with building sites in town, the congregation set out to find another site.   Within weeks, the property on Hillspoint Road was discovered.  By September 1995, the town approved the permit to build, and within months, the Synagogue and the Hillspoint Neighborhood Association signed an agreement that satisfied everyone.  The outcome was successful and plans to construct a 21,000 square foot building were in the works. 

By our Bar Mitzvah year in 2000, the Conservative Synagogue had grown to more than 400 member families who shared a commitment to each other, our children, and the community at large.  Today, our synagogue is a thriving and vital congregation of 425 family members.  Under the leadership of Rabbi Wiederhorn, Cantor Berman, our synagogue’s president, Jon Fraade, and a devoted group of volunteer members, we continue to grow.  We boast an outstanding religious school and preschool, as well as vibrant USY and Kadima youth groups.  We have a dedicated office staff and a committed, enthusiastic group of congregant-volunteers who bring programs to life, keeping the synagogue alive with creativity and excitement.  We continue to build our synagogue’s leadership from among our talented and dedicated members. 

We recognize all who have contributed so generously to build our beautiful building and those who continue to enhance our facility and diverse programs. As The Conservative Synagogue matures, we remain a congregation with hopes, dreams and plans for the future.  Visions for expansion to accommodate the synagogue’s growing activities are always on the minds of our lay leaders.