Judaism

Jewish Cub Scouts can grow in their faith by earning age-appropriate Religious Emblems through the National Jewish Committee on Scouting. These emblems (the Aryeh, Maccabee, and Aleph) encourage spiritual development, understanding of Jewish traditions and values, and family faith engagement.

What to Expect

Each emblem guide provides activities that teach Jewish life and practice. Scouts keep a neat record of their work, discuss each activity with a parent or counselor, and receive the emblem at a synagogue service, pack meeting, or other appropriate ceremony. Families from all branches of Judaism may participate, and requirements can be completed at home with parental involvement.

How the Program Works

Each level of the Religious Emblem program uses downloadable materials designed for the Scout’s stage of spiritual development:

Aryeh (Kindergarten–Grade 1)

• For Jewish Lions and Tiger Cubs.

• Parent or adult partner serves as counselor.

• Begin anytime and complete all requirements before finishing first grade.

Maccabee (Grades 1–3)

• For Jewish Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts.

• Ask your rabbi or religious school teacher to serve as counselor.

• Complete all requirements before finishing third grade.

• Program may be completed within about nine months.

Aleph (Grades 3–5)

• For Jewish Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.

• Rabbi or religious school teacher serves as counselor.

• Begin anytime after entering third grade and finish before completing fifth grade.

• If your community has no synagogue or rabbi, contact the National Jewish Committee on Scouting for assistance.

How to Get Started

• Download the activities/requirements for the appropriate emblem from the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.

• Keep a neat record of your Scout’s work in a notebook.

• When all requirements are completed, have the counselor (parent for Aryeh; rabbi or teacher for Maccabee and Aleph) sign the Certification section of the application form.

• Submit the application with payment as indicated on the form.

Recognition

Your Scout will normally receive the emblem at a synagogue service, Scout Sabbath, or pack meeting. After the emblem is presented, contact the Pack Religious Emblems Coordinator (REC) to arrange:

• Presentation of the Religious Emblem knot at a Pack ceremony

• Recognition during a Shabbat service if this has not already been scheduled

Religious Emblems Coordinator

REC@Pack1402.org