NER TAMID To help you in this phase of your Scouting experience, the National Jewish Committee on Scouting has developed the Ner Tamid program. The Ner Tamid emblem is a pendant representing the Eternal Light that hangs in front of the Holy Ark in the synagogue. It is attached to a blue and white ribbon and a bronze bar pin that carries the inscription "Ner Tamid" in Hebrew letters and "Eternal Light" in English. The Ner Tamid in the synagogue of our own day goes back to the seven-branched menorah described in the Bible (Exodus 27:20; Numbers 8:2). The center light, from which the other six were kindled, is the Ner Tamid. The lamp burned continually, symbolizing the Jewish people's eternal devotion to God and His teachings. 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 badge or, when the Eagle badge is not worn, centered above the flap of the left breast pocket.

You can find the requirements for the Ner-Tamid by going to our links page and clicking on THE NATIONAL JEWISH COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING.

ETZ CHAIM AWARD The Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) Award is designed for Boy Scouts in high school, ages 14 to 17, and registered Explorers 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 AWARD The National Jewish Committee on Scouting established the Shofar Award to recognize outstanding service by adults in the promotion of Scouting among Jewish youth. Just as the Shofar (Ram's Horn) calls people to the service of God, so the Shofar Award is a recognition of the individual who has answered the call to serve Jewish youth in Scouting.

A Shofar recipient should: 1)Promote the use of Scouting in synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and other Jewish institutions. 2)Encourage Jewish youth to join the Boy Scouts of America as Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Explorers. 3)Recruit Jewish leaders on unit, district, and council levels. 4)Encourage and assist Scouts in earning the Maccabee, Aleph, Ner Tamid, and Etz Chaim emblems. 5)Promote religious observance on camping trips and at camporees, summer camp, Scout Sabbath, and other functions. 6)Exemplify religious convictions by personal participation in all aspects of Jewish life.