Congregation members Eva Aranovitch and Noah Hammond were recently awarded the Arnold Shapiro Community Service Award from Congregation Etz Chaim in Biddeford.

A recognition of outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to the York County Jewish community, the award includes a cash scholarship to support college expenses.

Eva, a recent graduate of Biddeford High School, has long been an active member of Congregation Etz Chaim. After celebrating her bat mitzvah there in 2020, she was a three-year participant in the congregation’s Teen (confirmation) Class. She worked as an assistant teacher in the York County Community Hebrew School, serves as the graphic designer for the York County Jewish Community News newsletter, and frequently volunteers at the synagogue in other capacities. Eva will be attending Bates College in the fall as a neuroscience major with a minor in religious studies.

Noah, a recent graduate of Kennebunk High School, is a life-long member of the synagogue and a graduate of its York County Community Hebrew School. He celebrated his bar mitzvah there in 2020 and then participated for three years in Teen Class. He was a frequent volunteer for community events, often helping with set up and clean up and engaged in fundraising for charity. Noah will attend Ithaca College to pursue a B.F.A. in stage management.

The Arnold Shapiro Community Service Award, bestowed annually, was created to honor lifelong Biddeford resident and former present of Congregation Etz Chaim Arnold Shapiro. The scholarship supports members of Congregation Etz Chaim who are graduating high school seniors planning to further their education in college, professional or trade school, or other post-secondary training. Successful applicants are selected by the synagogue’s Service Award Committee.