A Boy Scout, in uniform, stands next to a simply designed and built Ark for the Torah at Boy Scout Camp. The scout in the picture is likely a member of the Beth El troop. The Ark contains the Torah, the scrolls used in worship services. The Torah is always elevated off the ground. This particular Ark has a poignant simplicity and directness.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A young Hyman Berman stands in his Boy Scout uniform holdng semaphores. Scouting was available to both boys and girls. Although scouting's intent was in part to Americanize participants through civic service and outdoor recreation, the sponsors of most all of the Jewish scout troops were synagogues.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This photo may reflect a gathering of boys from several different groups, suggested by the different numbers on the sleeves of several of the scouts. Many of the troops that Jewish boys and girls belonged to were synagogue-sponsored. That allowed for the adaptation of scouting themes and activities to incorporate Jewish values.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Some members of Boy Scout Troop #86 pose outside wearing hats, sweaters and jackets during a fall outing. Scouting, like sports, served as a way for young men to grow up under the attention and scrutiny of adults in addition to their hard-working parents. Beth El Synagogue sponsored Troop #86.Other Minneapolis troops included troop #10 at Temple Israel and Troop #208 at Adath Jeshurun.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives