Growing Up Jewish In Southern Maine: 

The Mid-Century Experience

January 8, 2023

Join us for a panel discussion with a special group of people who spent their childhoods and teen years as part of the Congregation Etz Chaim community in the mid-1940s through the mid-1960s.

Moderated by fourth-generation Etz Chaim member and local Jewish historian Jennie Aranovitch.

Panelists include Leah Aranovitch, Sharon (Sneider) Canner, Ellen (Haas) Levine, Stuart Ruben, Phillip Saperia, Ed Simensky, and Cary Sneider.

Interview with Cantor Beth & Dr. David Strassler

Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center

December 4, 2018

The Strasslers grew up in New York and came to Biddeford in 1982 where he set up his first medical practice while she commuted to UNH to teach Occupational Therapy.  Despite having chosen career paths that can be all-consuming, they were determined to also “live their lives.”

They had different spiritual journeys that led them to highly value their Judaism.   Although welcomed upon arrival by Biddeford’s Congregation Etz Chaim, it was on the brink of closing.  They gradually took on leadership roles with a focus on customizing services and programs to meet the needs of the community.  Dr. Strassler now serves as the synagogue president and she is an ordained Cantor.

Dr. Strassler is a highly respected doctor who has dedicated himself to meeting the healthcare needs of the community by building relationships that focus on the whole person by including family dynamics.

They share a resonating theme of dedication to family life, religious life and work life based on respect for people and asking, “What does that person want?”

More Information – https://biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org/

Congregation Etz Chaim 1996 Interview with Elders

January 1, 1996

An interview with the Elders of Congregation Etz Chaim of Biddeford, Maine. This discussion from 1996 was shared by Dr. David and Cantor Beth Strassler of Congregation Etz Chaim and features the thoughts, recollections of Sam Cohen, Jon Nathanson, Arnold Shapiro and Dr. David Strassler. Here they discuss the history of the congregation and the Jewish community in the city.

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We are deeply grateful to the Sam L. Cohen Foundation for its generous support in the redesign of our website. The foundation’s commitment to preserving Jewish education, tradition, and culture in Southern Maine has made it possible for us to share our mission and connect with our members and the community more effectively.

Mailing Address:
Congregation Etz Chaim
P.O. Box 1473
Biddeford, ME 04005

Physical Address:
Congregation Etz Chaim
34 Bacon Street
Biddeford, ME