NORWALK – Congregation Beth El in Norwalk was awarded the Solomon Schechter award for excellence in synagogue programming at the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s (USCJ) convention held recently in Atlanta, Georgia. Beth El was among 12 Conservative synagogues nationwide to win Solomon Schechter Awards for excellence in five different categories. According to USCJ, the Solomon Schechter Awards are “designed to recognize initiatives that shape an authentic and dynamic experience of Conservative Judaism.”

More than 185 programs were submitted for consideration, and a panel of 15 judges carefully reviewed the entries to select the winners.

CAP: Members of Congregation Beth El accept the Solomon Schechter Award at USCJ’s Convention 2017 in Atlanta. (L to r): Cantor Jen Brown, co-chair of the Award Committee; Margo Gold, USCJ president; Beth El’s Rabbi Ita Paskind (holding award); Rabbi Steven Wernick, USCJ CEO; Beth El’s Al Zager.  (Photo credit: Adrian Baird)