Rabbi Philip Lazowski, a Holocaust survivor and longtime West Hartford resident, passed away Thursday at the age of 96.

By Ronni Newton

Rabbi Philip Lazowski will remembered not only as one of the most influential leaders in the area’s Jewish community, but also for his intelligence, his warmth, his faith, his service to the community, and his dedication to Holocaust education and to fighting antisemitism.

Lazowski passed away peacefully at his West Hartford home on Thursday, June 18, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He had just turned 96 on June 13.

Hiding in ditches in the forests of Poland as a child, living for several years in extreme cold, hunger, and fear of the Nazis, Rabbi Lazowski miraculously survived and eventually emigrated to America. He married Ruth Rabinowitz in 1955, and rose to rebuild his life in America as a spiritual leader and tireless advocate for teaching about the Holocaust and fighting antisemitism.

Born in Bielica, Poland, the rabbi often told the story of how his mother saved his life by pushing him out a window in a building where the Jews in his town were rounded up and told him, “Go, be somebody.” He spent his life fulfilling her wish.

In an email to The Emanuel Synagogue community, Rabbi David Small noted that Rabbi Lazowski was ordained in 1962 and served as spiritual leader of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Hartford until 1969 when it merged with Beth Hillel Synagogue in Bloomfield, and he remained the congregation’s beloved spiritual leader for more than 40 years. He “retired” at the age of 70, and then entered active service as Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.

He was the author of 16 books, including his autobiographical story of surviving the Holocaust, “Faith & Destiny.”

Rabbi Lazowski had degrees from Yeshiva University, Brooklyn College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He served as Chaplain of the Connecticut State Senate and Hartford Hospital. He was also the former Chaplain of the Hartford Police, President of the Educator’s Council of Connecticut, and a board member of the Jewish Council of Hartford as well as serving on numerous other boards and committees.

A year ago, Emanuel Synagogue named its religious school in honor of Rabbi Philip Lazowski and Ruth Lazowski.

In a statement Thursday evening, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said, “Rabbi Lazowski was a pillar of faith and public service as well as a model of courage and compassion. His deep insight and learning was a blessing to so many, and his lifelong generosity of spirit touched and enriched the lives of all who knew him. I was deeply honored and proud to be his friend,” Blumenthal said.

“Rabbi Lazowski was an incredible human being, whose life story could be a motion picture documentary,” U.S. Rep. John Larson said in a statement on Thursday night. “Our hearts go out to his wife Ruth, the entire Lazowski family, and our dear friend Alan. When I served as President pro tempore of the Connecticut State Senate, it was an honor to have Philip Lazowski be the first rabbi to preside as the body’s Chaplain. It was always galvanizing to hear Rabbi Lazowski’s story at Holocaust memorials, and his endless commitment to equality and justice. He miraculously survived the Holocaust and came to this country, having gone through tremendous sacrifice and loss in his life, and still served as an inspiration for hope, faith, and forgiveness. Rabbi Lazowski’s life story should and will be enshrined in the halls of American and world history.”

Gov. Ned Lamont also shared a statement. “Rabbi Lazowski has an amazing life story and he was an inspiration to us all. He harnessed his life’s passion to inspire others and motivate people to contribute to lasting community change. His boundless optimism energized everyone who was lucky enough to have the opportunity to hear his message of peace and hope in life. His life’s work has made a positive impact in Connecticut, and we will truly miss his presence, wisdom, and ability to inspire. I share my deepest condolences with his entire family and all his loved ones, including his wife Ruth and my friend Alan,” the governor said.

“Rabbi Philip Lazowski lived a life that embodied courage, faith, and service,” said Mayor Shari Cantor. “As a Holocaust survivor, he experienced humanity at its worst, yet devoted his life to bringing out the best in others. Through his leadership, teaching, and unwavering commitment to building bridges across communities, he became a source of wisdom and inspiration for so many throughout Greater Hartford,” she said.

“His ability to transform profound loss into a message of hope was extraordinary,” Cantor added. “We are all better because Rabbi Lazowski shared his story, his faith, and his humanity with us. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ruth, Alan, and the entire Lazowski family as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate a truly remarkable life.”

Dr. Gayle Harris, a member of the West Hartford Town Council, said she has known Rabbi Lazowski and his wife for more than 50 years. “Our town, state, and country lost an incredible man with the passing of Rabbi Lazowski,” she said. “Rabbi Lazowski always greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word, always asking after my parents and family,” Harris said.

“Last October my daughter and I stopped by, as we did periodically, and he showed me his magnificent succah and we talked about religion, politics, and history for a while,” Harris recalled. “He was so knowledgeable and engaging. He was an incredible man – always seeing the good in each person and as the individual who he was. I will  miss him.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also shared her thoughts upon learning of the rabbi’s passing. “It has been a pleasure and a blessing to get to know Rabbi Lazowski over my years at the legislature, our state has lost an incredible treasure. He was a spiritual guide and mentor to so many, not just the congregants of his synagogue but to all who had the joy of meeting him. Rabbi Lazowski was deeply passionate about sharing his faith and teaching the young people of our state the story of the Holocaust. As a survivor, he faced great hardship and terror at a young age, yet he radiated such joy, peace, and empathy. My heart goes out to his loved ones, including his beloved wife Ruth and their son, Alan.”

A capacity crowd is expected to attend the funeral for Rabbi Lazowski, which will be held at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, on Sunday, June 21, at 11 a.m. Those wishing to attend must register in advance through this link. A live-streaming link of the funeral services will also be available here.

Rabbi Lazowski is survived by his wife, Ruth, of West Hartford; three sons, Alan Lazowski and his wife Marcia, Barry Lazowski and his wife Cynthia Lahm, and David Lazowski and his wife Dana; seven grandchildren; and a newborn great-granddaughter.

Shiva will be observed at the Lazowski home, 34 Timberwood Road, West Hartford, Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23; Hours: 1 to 3 p.m. with minyan (service) at 1:30 p.m.

Shiva will also be observed at the home of Alan and Marcia Lazowski, 170 Scarborough Street, Hartford, Monday, June 22, Tuesday, June 23, Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Hours: 7 to 9 p.m. with minyan at 7:30 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Rabbi Philip Lazowski may be made to: The Rabbi Philip and Ruth Lazowski Religious School at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117; Voices of Hope, 20 Waterside Drive, Suite 100, Farmington, CT 06032; The Rabbi Philip Lazowski Charitable Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, 333 Bloomfield Ave, Suite D, West Hartford, CT 06117; or The Rebecca Schwartz Lazowski Fund at the Solomon Schechter Day School, 26 Buena Vista Road, West Hartford, CT 06107.

Editor’s Note: Lisa Lenkiewicz contributed to this story.

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