J. Leonard Ostrow Award

J. Leonard Ostrow was a leader in the Erie Community and the Erie Jewish Community.  He was an active and highly respected attorney and was elected president of the Erie Bar Association and named Chancellor of the Erie Bar Association, which is the highest honor.  He was president of Temple Anshe Hesed, Temple Men’s Club, and the Jewish Community Council. He also served on Erie City Council, and the boards of the Erie Housing Authority, United Way, GECAC, and many other Erie organizations. 

After his passing in 1980, the J. Leonard Ostrow Fund was established through the generous donations of members of Brith Sholom, Temple Anshe Hesed and the larger Erie Community.

The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the memory of J. Leonard Ostrow and challenge another generation to emulate his contributions, encourage humanitarian efforts, and develop leadership capabilities, as exemplified by Leonard’s life.

The J. Leonard Ostrow Award is a quarterly award for high school students and adults to be used for a trip to Israel, Jewish studies, leadership development, or other Jewish experiences. As the purpose of this award is to perpetuate the memory of J. Leonard Ostrow and his commitment and contribution to the Erie Jewish Community and the larger Erie Community; applicants should be able to describe their contributions in the areas of leadership, congregational or community activities, civic work and/or acts of Tikkun Olam.

Application Eligibility:

1. 1. Applicants must be a member of Brith Sholom or Temple Anshe Hesed.
   2. Applicants can be high school students through adults.
   3. Applicants shall exemplify the life of J. Leonard Ostrow and his service to the Jewish and Erie community. Applicants should be able to describe their contributions in the areas of leadership, congregational and/or community activities, civic work and/or acts of Tikkun Olam that would make them good candidates for this award.
   4. Applicants must complete an application and submit it to the Ostrow Committee.
   5. Applications are available online at www.taherie.org

Award Periods:

1. The J. Leonard Ostrow Award is a monetary award up to $1800 per Award Period.
2. There are four Award Periods in one year.
3. The second Award Period is reserved for high school students only.
4. Award Periods:

5. Applicants must be able to use the award within 365 days of notice, however, applicants may apply for an extension, if there are extenuating circumstances.
6. There is no limit as to how many times a person may apply, however awardees may only receive the award once per 365-day period.
7. The award funds will be distributed no later than 14 days after award notification.