When Erika Brunwasser, her husband and 2 young girls moved to Westport in 2019, they were attracted by all the usual amenities: schools, beaches, the Library and more.
But Erika was looking for something else: a Jewish community.
She’d grown up in Cleveland, surrounded by other Jews. Her large family, there included her grandfather and his 2 brothers, all Holocaust survivors.
Erika found it difficult to get acclimated here, and make friends. There was no central meeting place, like a JCC. COVID hit, increasing her isolation.
Then came an “aha!” moment: a Facebook page
Erika — whose day job is associate regional director for ADL Connecticut — created “Jewish Westport” that first pandemic month, in March of 2020. She invited the “40 or so” people she knew to follow it.
Today, there are 1,600.
Erika Brunwasser’s Passover message.
For the first couple of years, the questions and comments were run-of-the-mill: “Where can I get kosher brisket for the holiday?” “What’s the best Jewish preschool?” “Where can I go for Shabbat?”
Then came October 7, 2023.
Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel — exactly one year ago today — turned Erika’s Facebook page into much more of what she had envisioned: a source of support and information, along with practical advice.
Before Hanukkah, a Weston woman wrote that she felt lonely. Her non-Jewish friends did not understand her anxiety and fear.
Out of that post grew a menorah lighting at Weston Field Club. Over 100 people attended.
“Jewish Westport” became a place, Erika says, where “someone could ask how to address an antisemitic incident, and know that it was a safe space. She wouldn’t get pushback.”
Erika and Jenna Guja, who helps run the page, vet new members carefully, ensuring they are Jewish, have Jewish family members, or a tie to the community (like working at a temple).
“It’s not that we’re exclusive,” Erika explains. “But we really want to make sure this is a safe place.”
Jenna Guja and Erika Brunwasser, at a rally for Israel on Jesup Green.
Since October 7, she has learned — through her Facebook page, and by living in Westport — that the Jewish community she yearned for does exist.
It’s there in our 4 temples, as well as in the many other people who are not affiliated, or involved in activities.
“People want to engage,” she says. “They realize they need each other.”
For example, last week, a “Jewish Westport” member offered to deliver Rosh Hashanah dinners to anyone who wanted them.
When she first launched the Facebook page, a friend asked, “Why do we need this? What’s wrong with Westport Front Porch?” — a popular spot for discussions about all things local.
“This is by and for Jewish people, and Jewish life and community,” Erika answered.
Yet she was not satisfied with her own answer. Now — in the year after October 7 — she sees proof of how “Jewish Westport” differs from “Westport Front Porch.”
Today her friend laughs about her question, Erika notes.
Scott Sharkey — who owns EveryHomeShouldHaveAChallah.com — often posts on “Jewish Westport.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see the way the world reacted to Israel’s self-defense,” Erika adds.
“No one wants war. But no one wants terrorism either. It gets exhausting trying to explain that, and defend Israel’s right to self-defense. On the Facebook page, no one has to do it.”
In real life — beyond Facebook — the town of Westport has been “amazingly supportive” of its Jewish residents after the Hamas attack, Erika says.
“I feel very lucky to live here. At ADL I see antisemitism — and racism and other hate incidents — around the state.
“Westport is not immune, or perfect. But neighbors, non-Jewish friends and (1st Selectwoman) Jen Tooker have been great. (Police Chief) Foti Koskinas is an amazing ally. Seeing Israeli flags all around town is very comforting.”
When a flag on her lawn was desecrated, a non-Jewish neighbor offered to put one on his own, in solidarity.
Erika Brunwasser, with her defaced Israeli flag.
Back on Facebook, Erika hopes to see more events created, more holiday celebrations planned, more friendships made.
“Jewish Westport” is thriving — both in cyberspace, and in our community. Erika Brunwasser has done quite a mitzvah.
(To learn more about the “Jewish Westport” page, message Erika Brunwasser via Facebook.)
