Greater Boston Jewish Scouting In Action

January, 2008

For the first time in over 20 years, Greater Boston area Jewish Scouts met together to work on their Jewish Scouting badges.  Over 35 boys and girls, from 7 to 18 years old and their families participated in the workshop hosted by Temple Reyim, Newton, MA on Sunday January 6, 2008.

The workshop included Greater Boston area Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Venture Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts from the Knox Trail, Boston Minuteman, Old Colony and Patriot Trail Councils.  The Scouts worked on the Jewish Scouting badge appropriate for their program and age: Cub Scouts - Maccabee, Aleph, Boy Scouts - Ner Tamid, Etz Chaim, Brownie - Lehavah, Girl Scouts - Bat Or, Menorah, Or Emunah.
 
Scouts and their families gathered in the Temple's Goldweitz Chapel to begin the Workshop.  Joseph Levens, Cubmaster Dedham Pack 2, and Assistant Scoutmaster Wellesley Troop 182 recognized the Girl Scouts in attendance, and led the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in their Promise and Scout Oath. Temple Reyim's Rabbi Scott Rosenberg (an Eagle Scout) then discussed with the Scouts the importance of the Jewish Scout badges.

The Scouts then met in small groups led by adult volunteers to work on their Jewish Scouting awards. Workshop sessions were held in the Temple's Sandberg Religious School, Silver Shore Auditorium, and Goldweitz Chapel.  The Scouts also used the reference books in the Temple's Wasserman Library to research different aspects of Jewish history and religion.
 
The Jewish Scout badges trace their start to 1945, when the National Jewish Committee on Scouting issued the first Ner Tamid emblem for Boy Scouts.  Since then, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have established and supported a range of awards that allow Scouts of all ages to expand their knowledge of their religion and maintain their Jewish identity.

Dave Carleen, of Newton Troop 355 noted that "Jewish and scouting values work well together.  The appreciation of G-d in nature, as well as core beliefs like loyalty, honesty and faith all have links to Judaism. In addition, socially conscious projects encourage Scouts to give back to their local and global communities."

One of the Workshop volunteers, Deborah Berlin noted that "both Judaism and Girl Scouts believe in service to G-d, country and mankind. Both encourage girls to work toward a better world and become better members of their religion".

On Saturday February 2, 2008, Temple Reyim will also play host to a special Greater Boston area Scout Shabbat.
 
The Scout Shabbat Service will consist of special activities in both the main and youth services. Scouts young and old are invited to participate in all aspects of the services.   Scouts (including their families and friends) from all over Greater Boston are invited to attend. All Scouts (young and old) are urged to wear their uniform to the service.
 
At the Service, Scouts who have earned their Jewish Religious awards will be recognized.  Phil Platcow, father of a Cub Scout and two Girl Scouts noted that "the Scout Shabbat service gives Scouts an opportunity to show that the practice of religion is an import part of Scouting activities".
 
The Jewish Scout Badge Workshop and Scout Shabbat were made possible through the generous financial support of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), the New England Chapter - Jewish Federation of Men's Clubs, local Scout units and individuals.  Organizations and individuals interested in supporting Jewish Scouting should contact Joe Levens via email: JDL13@comcast.net.