Three Connecticut synagogues received recognition internationally for outstanding programming, it recently was announced by the Connecticut Valley Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC).

The FJMC Torch Awards are presented for excellence in 15 programming categories. Each programming submission is done in detail so other synagogues can easily duplicate the award-winning programs.

The FJMC is a partnership of more than 250 affiliated clubs serving Judaism’s Conservative movement.

Beth El Temple in West Hartford received five Torch awards: Silver awards were received for a three-part series analyzing the Pew Report on the status of the Jewish Community; the Minyan on the Mountain program co-sponsored by The Emanuel Synagogue; a program comparing Muslim and Jewish birth and death practices; and Hearing Men’s Voices, a discussion of Jewish heroes and role models. The synagogue received a bronze award for a series of 15 Israel advocacy programs.

The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford received two silver Torch Awards: for the Minyan on the Mountain program co-sponsored by Beth El Temple; and for the Health and Wellness breakfast series.

Beth Sholom B’nai Israel in Manchester received a bronze Torch Award for the synagogue’s community outreach program.

For more information on these award-winning programs contact Martin Melnick President of the CT Valley Region FJMC at (860) 236-8822 or marty.melnick@gmail.com.