Mitzvah Merit Badges

Welcome to Mitzvah Merit Badges

What are Mitzvah Merit Badges?

Mitzvah Merit Badges are the core of an exciting innovative approach to Jewish education. The program is flexible – kids may earn many of the badges by working in a group or as individuals. Plus, kids & their families can choose for themselves from a variety of badges which subject and skills areas they wish to pursue. Many kids find the goal-orientation and manageable size of the badges to be a fun and inspiring way to achieve high levels of Jewish knowledge and skills, participate in Jewish community, and develop meaningful Jewish identities. Although there may be a supplies fee associated with some badges, the awards are granted to the kids (grades kindergarten – middle school) who earn them free of charge. Available badges, their requirements, and how to register to receive a badge are listed below. The badges are small metal buttons which easily pin to a garment or backpack. Each one displays an image related to the theme of the badge and is dated with the Hebrew year.

Who is behind the Mitzvah Merit Badge Program?

Rabbi Mitchell Levine, Educator in Residence at Congregation Agudas Achim, is the director and senior writer for the Mitzvah Merit Badge Curriculum. Agudas Achim Academy teachers also compose badge requirements and lead multi-age groups organized around the fulfillment of the requirements for specific badges. Local Jewish agencies co-sponsor Mitzvah Merit Badges which reflect their particular missions, values and areas of expertise. Mitzvah Merit Badge pin design is spearheaded by Agudas Achim Academy Administrator, Naomi Kurland, and publicity for the program is coordinated by Bobbie Shkolnik, Membership/Volunteer Coordinator at Congregation Agudas Achim.

The Mitzvah Merit Badge program is sponsored by Congregation Agudas Achim of Bexley, Ohio. Synagogue membership at Agudas Achim, though welcome, is not a prerequisite for participation in this program. For more information about Mitzvah Merit Badges, Agudas Achim Academy, or to submit ideas for additional badges, please contact nkurland@agudasachim.org (nkurland@agudasachim.org) .

Zman Simchateinu Merit Badge Grades k-3

Simchateinu flash Cards (K-3) – this link requires adobe reader.

Zman Simchateinu Merit Badge Grades 4-7

Zman Simchateinu Flash Cards (4-7) – this link requires adobe reader