The Temple’s Friday night service on January 31 was a celebration of Scout Shabbat. Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport welcomed Boy Scout Troop 30 to the Temple and the scouts blessed the candles and wine to begin Shabbat. They continued their participation throughout the service.
In his remarks, Rabbi Rooks thanked Troop 30 for all their service to The Temple. He said he is proud of their participation in both the community Hunger walk and the AIDS Walk. He acknowledged the many Eagle Scout projects that have improved The Temple facilities and grounds, and added The Temple is proud to stand together with the largest and oldest Jewish Troop in the USA.
Rabbi Rooks presented Cub Scout Brian Schwartz his Alef Award – a Cub Scout religious medal for completing many Jewish study and service projects.
Scoutmaster Dan Stertzel gave the congregation a report on Troop 30 activities. Jacque Morris, who served as the troop’s scoutmaster in the ’60s was there, however, longtime scoutmaster, Dr. Stan Frager, was unable to attend.
In the spring of 2103, Troop 30 traveled to the Florida Seabase for a week of high adventure in the Florida Keys. Early summer 2013, the troop traveled to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, where they spent 10 days canoeing the wilderness. They caught fish swam and portaged their canoes as they hiked across dry land between lake trails. Then in late summer, it was off to climb the Tooth of Time at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, where the scouts spent two weeks hiking 75 miles of trails, carrying food, tents and 50 lbs. of gear through the starlit nights.
The Temple Shabbat evening closed with the singing of G-d Bless America. The Troop is planning to celebrated their 100th birthday in 2016.
