Brett and Allison Pogany

NORWALK – Brett and Allison Pogany of Stamford were honored at Simchat Torah services on Friday, October 21 at Congregation Beth El in Norwalk. The couple was called forward for the final reading from the end of the Torah scroll, followed immediately by the first reading from the opening passage in Genesis.  Beth El bestows this special honor annually on individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to synagogue life.
“These individuals have impacted the Congregation in many important ways,” said Rabbi Joseph Ron Fish, spiritual leader of the Conservative congregation Beth El.  “We are proud to recognize their dedication and commitment to our many diverse programs.”
Since joining Beth El in 2003, Brett and Allison Pogany have taken on several leadership roles at the Norwalk shul.
The congregation’s treasurer, Brett Pogany often leads Shabbat morning services at which he reads Torah. Additionally, he helped to resurrect the Beth El Men’s Club, the L’Chaim Society, previously serving as its co-chair.
Allison Pogany has been critical to the reinvigoration and revitalization of the Nitzan Nursery School. She helped with the school’s licensing process, and played an important role in the hiring of key staff members and in the development of the school’s secular and Judaic curriculum. She also created a monthly mitzvah program for the children.  Among her accomplishments as chair of the shul’s Social Action Committee, she spearheaded a bone marrow registry drive that registered over 20,000 people and resulted in 60 transplants and organized food drives for the shelter and for the Jewish Family Services Kosher Food Bank. She also served on the Beth El board for three years.