Scout Sabbath

Scout Sabbath typically falls on the Saturday nearest to Scout Sunday in February each year. For this year, Scout Sabbath, often referred to as Scout Shabbat, is observed from February 8 to 8. It begins at dusk on Friday evening and extends into Saturday. This observance holds multiple significances. Scout Sabbath aligns with Scout Sunday, which commemorates the founding of the Scouts in the U.S. It’s a chance for Jewish scouts to express their religious pride within the Scouting community. Additionally, it serves as a platform for scouts and rabbis to discuss how scouting benefits Judaism and Jewish communities.

A Brief History of Scout Sabbath

Every year, Scout Sabbath is held on the Saturday before or after Scout Sunday. This religious holiday, known also as Scout Shabbat, provides a crucial chance for Jewish Scouts to celebrate the founding of Scouting in America and to show their religious pride. The Boy Scouts of America (B.S.A.) uphold that Scouts should be reverent towards God and respectful of other religions’ beliefs. In their Declaration of Religious Principles, the B.S.A. asserts that Scouts grow into good citizens by acknowledging their duty to God and considering religious education as essential. Support by the B.S.A. includes aiding local Scout leaders to form and maintain ties with religious groups, backed by the Religious Relations Committee. Leaders also are prompted to start or reintroduce the P.R.A.Y. religious emblems program. This ties scouting closely to the youth ministries of many religious entities, including synagogues.

For Jewish Scouts and rabbis, Scout Sabbath is a significant day to discuss scouting’s value to Jewish organizations and the Scouts’ relationship with these groups. The National Jewish Committee on Scouting encourages Jewish scouts to attend JCOS-sponsored Scout Shabbat events and organize services for their units. They are also urged to collaborate with local synagogues to highlight the Scout Law and Oath during usual Friday services.

Scout Sabbath Timeline

1902: Robert Baden-Powell’s “Scouting for Boys” sparks the Scouting Movement.
1910: Scouting, upon its U.S. inception, begins being used by religious organizations like churches and synagogues.
1926: The B.S.A. starts religious emblems programs to help Scouts understand their faith and adhere to the Scout Law’s reverence to God.
1945: The National Jewish Committee on Scouting issues the Ner Tamid emblem for Jewish Scouts, marking the progression of the Scouts’ relationship with Jewish groups.

Questions About Scout Sabbath

What is the religion of Scouts?: Scouts are required to believe in their duty to God and respect the beliefs and customs of all religions.
How does a Scout show reverence?: By being faithful to their religion and its customs and respecting others’ beliefs.
What do you do on Scout Sunday?: It is an opportunity for Scouts to engage with their religious organizations and possibly receive religious emblems.

Ways to Observe Scout Sabbath

Attend a Scout Sabbath service: For Jewish individuals, attending a service is ideal. Others can encourage Jewish members to host services for their unit.
Help with the regular Friday service: Jewish members can participate in local synagogue services and discuss Scout Law.
Educate your unit: Use this day to discuss your religion’s customs and educate your unit about your faith.

5 Interesting Facts About The Scout Movement

Largest Youth Organization: The Boy Scouts of America remains one of the largest scouting organizations and the largest youth organization in the U.S.
Religious Emblems During Services: Emblems like Ner Tamid for Jewish Scouts are presented during youth synagogue services.
BSA Filed for Bankruptcy: Following the Church of Latter-Day Saints’ withdrawal of support, the B.S.A. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Jewish Committee on Scouting: Set up in 1926 to coordinate Scout Troops chartered by Jewish organizations.
James West’s Religious Principle: Responsible for incorporating reverence as a necessary quality for Scouts.

Why Scout Sabbath Matters

Respecting All Religions: Observing Scout Sabbath lets us honor the Scout Law of reverence to God and respect all religions.
Learning About Judaism: It’s a chance to understand Jewish customs better and respect Jewish Scouts.
Honoring Jewish Scouts: As Jewish organizations have chartered numerous Scout Troops, it’s important to honor and respect Jewish Scouts as they practice their faith.

Scout Sabbath Dates