Address and Telephone_______________________________________

High School__________________________________

The Peter R. Lessler Memorial Community Service Award, including a financial stipend, is awarded each year to one or more graduating high school senior who has demonstrated academic excellence, service to Congregation, school and community, outstanding character and overall leadership qualities, consistent with the vision and legacy of Peter Lessler, a founder of  The Conservative Synagogue. Over the years, we have honored an extraordinary group of graduating high school seniors who have gone on to distinguish themselves in college, graduate studies and the professions.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a member of the class of 2012, and the child of a member in good standing of The Conservative Synagogue. 

Please attach a short (maximum 2 page) essay outlining your academic performance, activities, accomplishments, outside interests and volunteer experiences on behalf of The Conservative Synagogue, your school and community. Cite all volunteer work and special projects with which you have been involved over your high school career. Provide the name and telephone number of a teacher, or a professional with whom you have worked in a community service project, who can attest to your academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service. Please attach any documents or materials describing your activities and accomplishments. 

Please submit your essay, by mail, hand delivery fax or email on or before March 15, 2012 to:

Art Gang
4 Sunnyside Lane
Westport,CT06880

Tel. 203 222-1334; Fax 203 485-4265
arthur.gang@partnerre.com
The award recipient will be notified by Karen Lessler Schwartz in April, 2012.
Please call Karen Lessler Schwartz at 203 226-0233 or Art Gang with any questions.
Thank you for your interest.  We look forward to your application!

To say that this weekend was amazing is an understatement. I’ve heard from various people that it is a great experience, but it’s impossible to describe or explain why it is so memorable. The atmosphere, the people and the activities were incomparable. One of the best parts was how friendly every single person was. This being my first kinnus, I only knew a couple of Westport friends. By the end of the weekend, I was holding on tight to my new friends as we hugged goodbye. A simple shake of the hand and exchange of names led to amazing friendships in less than 2 days.

As I mentioned earlier, I was hesitant about all of the prayer time. However, somehow every service seemed to go by ten times faster and was ten times more enjoyable than usual. The songs and cheers that the USYers have to go along with the prayers made the atmosphere fun and praying less formal.

 To any teen that hasn’t yet attended a Hanefesh Kinnus, as you read this I hope that I can make an impact on you and convince you to come to Spring convention in April – I’m already counting down the days.

From Connecticut to Western Mass Hanefesh we’ll kick some tookus.
We are the soul of USY.
Hanefesh is the region for me!
–The Hanefesh Region Cheer

Clergy throughout Westport and from Wilton, Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield all spoke and offered prayers in a show of support.

Rabbi Wiederhorn was among area clergy offering prayers and support on the lawn of Westport’s Saugatuck Congregational Church, which recently suffered heavy fire damage. Photo by Dave Matlow courtesy of WestportNow.com.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue noted ironically that earlier on Sunday clergy members had joined for a celebratory, interfaith service at his house of worship.

“One night later we have gathered unexpectedly, but with that same sense of unity, brotherhood and sisterhood, and that we are one extended family, and we are here for you,” Wiederhorn said.

“Together we will build this community and build this church,” he added. “We stand here together to build with you.”

Continue reading the full article by James Lomuscio on WestportNow.com.

Our new Simcha Wall, Cantor Berman’s beautiful new son and other joys from our happy event.

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