Scout Sabbath

History of Scout Sabbath

Scout Sabbath is observed on the Saturday before or after Scout Sunday every year. The religious holiday, also known as Scout Shabbat, is an important opportunity for Jewish Scouts to celebrate the founding of the Scouts in America and exhibit their religious pride.

The Boy Scouts of America (B.S.A.) maintain that Scouts are reverent towards God and respectful of the religious beliefs of others. The B.S.A. also has a Declaration of Religious Principles. In the declaration, the B.S.A. maintains that Scouts are able to grow into good citizens when they recognize their obligation to God and consider religious training as essential.

To this end, the B.S.A. supports local leaders of Scout groups in establishing and maintaining relationships with religious organizations with the support of the Religious Relations Committee. Leaders are also encouraged to start or re-introduce the P.R.A.Y. religious emblems program.

As a result, scouting has been an important part of the youth ministries of many religious organizations, including synagogues. So Scout Sabbath is an important day for Jewish Scouts and for rabbis alike to discuss the importance of scouts to Jewish organizations as well as the relationship between the Scouts and Jewish organizations.

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting encourages Jewish scouts to attend the JCOS-sponsored Scout Shabbat as well as organize a Scout Shabbat service for their unit. They are also encouraged to work with local synagogues to emphasize the Scout Law and Oath at the regular Friday service.

Scout Sabbath timeline

1902

“Scouting for Boys” is Published

Robert Baden-Powell publishes the book “Scouting for Boys”, which triggers the start of the Scouting Movement.

1910

Scouting is Used by Religious Organizations

Since the inception of the Scout Movement in the U.S., scouting becomes used by religious organizations, including churches and synagogues.

1926

Religious Emblems Programs are Started

The B.S.A. introduces a variety of religious emblems programs to support Scouts in learning about their faith and how to stick to the Scout Law of showing reverence to God.

1945

Ner Tamid Emblem is Issued for Jewish Scouts

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting issues emblems for Jewish Boy Scouts and Venturers as a natural progression of the relationship between Scouts and Jewish organizations.

Scout Sabbath FAQs

When is Scout Sabbath?

In 2027, Scout Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday, February 5, and continues through Saturday, February 6. This observance always falls on the first Saturday of February, ensuring a consistent annual recognition.

How many Jewish scouts are there?

The Jewish population in the U.S. is approximately 7.5 million, with a significant proportion of youth eligible for scouting. Organizations continue to promote scouting within Jewish communities, fostering a strong connection between faith and civic duty.

What is the purpose of Scout Sabbath?

The observance aims to strengthen the bond between Jewish youth, their synagogues, and the broader scouting movement. It’s an opportunity to highlight the shared values of duty to God, country, and community that are central to both Jewish tradition and scouting.

What is the difference between Scout Sabbath and Scout Sunday?

While both days recognize the contributions of scouts to their respective faiths, Scout Sabbath focuses on Jewish traditions and is celebrated in synagogues, beginning at sundown on Friday. Scout Sunday is a broader Christian observance, usually held in churches on a Sunday.

How to Observe Scout Sabbath

Attend a Scout Sabbath service

The best way to observe Scout Sabbath is to actually attend a service if you’re Jewish. If you’re not, encourage the Jewish members to host a service for your unit.

Help with the regular Friday service

If you’re Jewish, get involved with your local synagogues and ask your rabbi if your unit can help with the regular Friday service. Make sure you discuss Scout Law at the service if you can.

Educate your unit

Scout Sabbath is a great day to discuss your religion and its customs with your unit. Use this opportunity to educate your unit about your faith.

5 Important Facts About The Scout Movement

The largest youth organization

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations and the largest youth organization in the U.S.

Religious emblems are presented during religious services

Since some of the religious emblems, such as the Ner Tamid for Jewish Scouts, were designed and issued by Jewish rabbis, they are presented during religious services in the youth synagogue.

The BSA filed for bankruptcy

After the Church of Latter-Day Saints withdrew its support and funding for the organization, the B.S.A. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructured its finances.

There’s a Jewish Committee on scouting

The Committee was set up in 1926 to provide scouting among Jewish organizations and coordinate the Scout Troops chartered by Jewish organizations.

James West introduced the religious principle

West, a young lawyer, was hired as chief secretary and was responsible for what is known as the religious principle — this included reverence as a necessary quality for young Scouts.

Why Scout Sabbath is Important

We respect all religions

We honor the Scout Law of being reverent to God and respectful to all religions. We think that observing Scout Sabbath is an important way of showing our respect for Judaism and Jewish people.

We want to learn about Judaism

We think that learning about different customs brings us closer together. We want to take this opportunity to learn more about Jewish customs and respect our Jewish Scouts.

We want to honor Jewish Scouts

Jewish organizations have chartered many Scout Troops and we want to honor that relationship. We also want to show our respect for Jewish Scouts as they practice their religious customs.