About Us
TCS is a dynamic Jewish community whose members’ lives reflect a sense of belonging and commitment to each other, our local communities, the Jewish people, Israel, and the larger Jewish world. Every member at every age and every level of knowledge and practice is supported, challenged, and stimulated for an increased understanding of themselves and Judaism. Our clergy, educators, administrative staff, lay leadership, and infrastructure will always support our congregation’s goals and objectives.
Our community is dedicated to the continuity of Jewish life and the communal expression of our religious traditions, values and culture. Through prayer, learning, commitment to each other and service to all, we encourage a lifelong connection to God, Torah and Israel.
Our History
We began in 1987 with a handful of families who had a hope and a 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 Holy Days 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 office space above Baskin Robbins (on Bay Street). Within a few months, the congregation had grown beyond the walls of Baskin Robbins and Mr. Nevas subsequently 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 lent its new neighbor a Torah scroll that would move between the two synagogues for years.
In the early 1990s, 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 to building sites in town, the congregation set out to find another site. Within weeks, these pioneers discovered the property on Hillspoint Road. By September 1995, the Town approved the permit to build, and within months, the founding members and the Hillspoint Neighborhood Association entered into an agreement that would lay the foundation for the building that stands here today.
By our Bar Mitzvah year in 2000, TCS had grown to more than 400 member families who continue today with a commitment to each other, our children, and the community at large. Today, our synagogue is a thriving and vital congregation of 430 member families. Under the leadership of Rabbi Wiederhorn, Cantor Penner-Robinson, our synagogue’s professional staff and board, and a devoted group of volunteer members, we continue to grow. This group brings 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 TCS 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.