Some volunteers help when asked. Ari and Violet Flemenbaum step forward before the need is even spoken. Their sustained leadership, quiet resilience, and unwavering commitment to youth have strengthened Scouting in countless ways.
"I first met Ari and Violet when their son joined the troop where I served as Assistant Scoutmaster. Even without formal titles, their dedication was immediately clear. That quickly evolved into significant leadership", says Howard Prager.
Ari became an Assistant Scoutmaster alongside Howard and later he was the lead Assistant Scoutmaster when Howard became Scoutmaster. He went far beyond the role’s expectations, taking ownership of troop activities by researching opportunities, presenting thoughtful options, and managing logistics from start to finish. His initiative brought energy and consistency to our program and was especially critical during the height of COVID, when his planning helped keep our troop active and connected.
Violet’s impact has been equally vital. As a troop committee member, she served on numerous Boards of Review, offering thoughtful mentorship to Scouts. When her daughters expressed interest in Scouting, Violet stepped forward as a founding Assistant Scoutmaster for the girls troop. Quite simply, the troop could not have functioned without her. Despite managing her own health challenges, she faithfully attended meetings, campouts, and outings, modeling true servant leadership.
Together, Ari and Violet have raised three children deeply committed to Scouting — two Eagle Scouts and one pending her Board of Review. Even more telling is what happened next: with their children now grown, they did not step back. They stepped up.
Violet now serves as a Pack committee member, regularly ensuring strong adult leadership at meetings. Ari became the founding Cubmaster when the Pack had no one else to fill the role. With his trademark smile and steady enthusiasm, he continues to lead the Pack forward.
Beyond their units, Ari and Violet are tireless champions for Scouting. They actively recruit youth and leaders, volunteer extensively with the Jewish Committee on Scouting, and support emblem programs that help young people connect faith with action.
Their influence also reaches beyond specifically Jewish Scouting environments. When the girls troop dissolved, they helped guide their daughter into another local troop while thoughtfully bringing Jewish awareness and inclusivity into that environment. Their Sephardic Jewish practice further enriches our community by broadening understanding and highlighting the diversity within Jewish life.
Ari and Violet were recently awarded the Shofar Award, an honor recognizing outstanding service to Jewish youth through Scouting. This recognition reflects what so many in our community already know: their extraordinary dedication, sustained leadership, and meaningful impact have strengthened Scouting for countless young people and families.