Religious Awards for Youth and Adults
It was a natural outgrowth of the relationship between Scouting and Jewish organizations that the religious emblems program was originated to give recognition to youth who had demonstrated religious growth. In 1945 the National Jewish Committee on Scouting issued the Ner Tamid emblem for Boy Scouts and Venturers who are Jewish. Today there is also the Aleph emblem for Cub Scouts and the Maccabee emblem for Tiger Cubs who are Jewish.
Since these emblems were designed and implemented by rabbis and not by the Boy Scouts of America, it is appropriate that they be presented during a religious service at a youth's synagogue. (A sample Ner Tamid presentation is provided on this site.)
Scouts and Scouters who earn or are awarded a religious emblem/award are entitled to wear a "knot" on their uniform. This includes Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Their are separate knots shown below for youth and adults. Adults who earned a religious emblem as a youth are encouraged to wear the adult knot on their uniform.
 
Adult Youth
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON APPLYING FOR THE FOLLOWING EMBLEMS/AWARDS:
Please note that the applications for the various awards have been revised and that you should print out an updated application showing current charges and shipping/handling fees. The links in RED below are for the applications (only) to be used for submission to P.R.A.Y. The links listed under each individual emblem/award below are for combined requirements and the old application. Do not use the old application when applying for awards/emblems.
Maccabee Application (PDF)
Aleph Application (PDF)
Ner Tamid Application (PDF)
Etz Chaim Application (PDF)
Shofar Application (DOC)
Maccabee
for Tiger Cubs Click here for the requirements for the Maccabee Emblem
In recent years, as the number of participants in Tiger Cubs has grown, the need has been felt for a comparable challenge on this youngest level. Hence, the creation of the Maccabee Award with its distinct emblem, requirements, and counselor's guide. The Maccabee Award takes its name from Judah Maccabee and his brothers who led the military and religious struggle against the Syrian king, Antiochus, who attempted to suppress the practice of Judaism. Their revolt ended victoriously in the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the year 168 B.C.E. the holiday of Hanukkah (Feast of Lights) celebrates that victory.
The Maccabee medal is a bronze pendant depicting the Menorah. The pendant is attached to a bronze bar pin that carries the word "Maccabee".
Aleph
for Cub Scouts Click here for the requirements for the Aleph Emblem
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting has developed the Aleph emblem program to help Jewish boys who are Cub Scouts advance in the knowledge and practice of Jewish religious living. The Aleph program also provides a basis for a positive and close relationship between a Cub Scout and his religious school teacher, who serves as counselor.
The Aleph medal is a bronze pendant representing an open Torah scroll and the Eternal Light. The pendant is attached to a bronze bar pin that carries the Hebrew letters "Aleph" and the word "Aleph".
Ner Tamid
for Scouts and Venturers Click here for the requirements for the Ner Tamid Emblem
The Ner Tamid emblem is a pendant representing the Eternal Light. It is attached to a blue-and-white ribbon and a bronze bar pin that carries the inscription "Ner Tamid" in Hebrew and "Eternal Light" in English.
The Boy Scouts of America has authorized the Ner Tamid emblem to be worn over the left breast pocket at the left of the Eagle Scout badge. When the Eagle badge is not worn, the Ner Tamid is centered above the flap of the left breast pocket.
Etz Chaim
for older Scouts and Venturers Click here for the requirements for the Etz Chaim Award
The Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) Award is designed for Boy Scouts in high school, ages 14 to 18, and registered Venturers ages 14 to 20. The purpose of the award is to encourage the young adult to explore adult Jewish roles in the context of family, community, and Jewish people. The requirements can be completed in six months and with a counselor's assistance.
Shofar
for adult volunteers Click here for the requirements for the Shofar Award
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting has established the Shofar Award, which is a silver Ner Tamid pendant superimposed on a silver Shofar, suspended from a blue-and-white ribbon. The award was developed to recognize outstanding service by adults in the promotion of Scouting among Jewish boys.
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