Community Mourns Beloved West Hartford Rabbi, Holocaust Survivor And Faith Leader

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A beloved member of not just the local Jewish community, but of the community at large, was honored in West Hartford Sunday after 95 years of inspiring and educating those he came in contact with.

Rabbi Philip Lazowski, a Holocaust survivor, longtime Connecticut rabbi and advocate for Holocaust education, died peacefully at his West Hartford home on June 18, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 95.

Funeral services took place Sunday, June 21, at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford, where Lazowski served as rabbi emeritus.

Lazowski's rabbinical career spanned more than seven decades.

Since his ordination in 1954, he served congregations including Congregation Beth Sholom in Hartford, Beth Hillel Synagogue in Bloomfield and The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.

His life story was shaped by his survival of the Holocaust.

Born in Poland in an area that is now part of Belarus, Lazowski spent approximately three years hiding in forests after escaping Nazi persecution during World War II.

According to historical accounts cited by local organizations, Lazowski escaped through a second-story window after his mother pushed him to safety.

He was 11 years old when he went into hiding. His mother and two younger siblings were later killed by the Nazis.

After surviving the war, Lazowski immigrated to the United States and settled in Hartford, where he began his rabbinical career and became a prominent religious and civic leader.

Throughout his life, Lazowski advocated for Holocaust remembrance and education.

He served as chaplain to the Connecticut Senate and worked to support legislation requiring genocide and Holocaust education in Connecticut schools.

Following news of his death, state and federal leaders issued statements recognizing his contributions to Connecticut communities.

The Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus said Lazowski "was an inspiration to tens of thousands of people of all ages and faiths" and described him as a teacher who spread "a message of kindness and love and forgiveness."

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said, "Our state has lost an incredible treasure." She called Lazowski "a spiritual guide and mentor to so many" and praised his efforts to educate young people about the Holocaust through the perspective of a survivor.

Attorney General William Tong described Lazowski as "a beacon of unrelenting hope, kindness, and generosity." Tong said Lazowski regularly offered encouragement and support to those around him and "shared that energy and lifeforce with all."

Gov. Ned Lamont said Lazowski's "life's work has made a positive impact in Connecticut" and credited him with inspiring others through "his message of peace and hope in life."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Lazowski "a pillar of faith and public service as well as a model of courage and compassion."

Lazowski is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their family.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Rabbi Philip & Ruth Lazowski Religious School Fund at The Emanuel Synagogue, Voices of Hope in Farmington, The Rabbi Philip Lazowski Charitable Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation in West Hartford, or The Rebecca Schwartz Lazowski Fund at Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford.

For more information on Lazowski, links to support Lazowski's causes, and to watch Lazowski's funeral ceremonies, click on this link.

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