The Arnold Shapiro Community Service Award was created to honor Arnold Shapiro’s commitment and service to Congregation Etz Chaim. Arnold Shapiro was raised in Biddeford and attended Hebrew School at Congregation Etz Chaim. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in 1944. In 1980, Arnold Shapiro became the president of Congregation Etz Chaim, at a time when other Board members wanted to close the synagogue due to a lack of membership. He spent countless hours at Congregation Etz Chaim doing everything from organizing High Holiday Services to attending Bar and Bat Mitzvah services to recruiting volunteers to supervising building repairs. For over 30 years, Arnold Shapiro unselfishly guided the congregation to the vibrant community it is today.
Goal: A scholarship will be provided to a member of Congregation Etz Chaim who is a graduating high school senior, to support their post-secondary study in college, professional or trade school, or other post-secondary training or opportunities.
Amount: $500-$1,000.
When: The scholarship will be awarded annually in June. Please submit your application by July 1, 2024.
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who have been actively involved in providing service to the Congregation Etz Chaim community.
How: Fill out the form below
All nominations will be reviewed and the recipient will be chosen by a committee comprised of the President of the Etz Chaim Board of Directors and members of the Education Committee.