Scout Sabbath

Scout Sabbath, also known as Scout Shabbat, is observed on the first Friday and Saturday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 6 and 7. This observance provides a formal opportunity for Jewish Scouts to reflect on the twelfth point of the Scout Law, which states that a Scout is reverent. By attending services in uniform, young people and adult leaders demonstrate their commitment to their faith and their “Duty to God” as outlined in the Scout Oath. ¹

History of Scout Sabbath

The connection between Jewish institutions and the American Scouting movement dates back to 1916. Early leaders recognized that the values of character, citizenship, and personal fitness aligned closely with Jewish communal and religious teachings. To support this relationship, the National Jewish Committee on Scouting was formed in 1926. This committee was tasked with developing religious emblem programs and ensuring that Jewish youth could fully participate in Scouting while maintaining their religious observances and dietary laws.

Scout Sabbath was established as a companion to Scout Sunday, which marks the anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. While Scout Sunday typically occurs on the Sunday before the anniversary, Scout Sabbath was designated for the Jewish Sabbath to accommodate those who worship on Friday nights and Saturdays. Over the decades, the observance has grown into a nationwide celebration, often serving as the primary occasion for synagogues to recognize the contributions of their sponsored packs and troops.

Why is Scout Sabbath important?

This day is significant because it reinforces the partnership between faith-based organizations and youth development programs. Many Scouting units are chartered by synagogues or Jewish community centers, and Scout Sabbath allows these organizations to publicly acknowledge the growth and service of their members. It serves as a visible reminder that religious life and Scouting are not separate spheres but are instead complementary paths for building ethical and responsible leaders.

The observance also provides a platform for the presentation of religious emblems, such as the Maccabee, Aleph, Ner Tamid, and Etz Chaim awards. These honors represent months or years of dedicated study and service within the Jewish tradition, and receiving them in front of the congregation highlights the Scout’s personal spiritual journey. For the broader community, the day offers a chance to see the positive impact of Scouting firsthand through the presence of uniformed youth participating in ancient liturgical traditions.

• Religious emblems recognize a Scout’s deep study of Jewish history and law.
• The observance strengthens the bond between the synagogue and its chartered unit.
• Uniformed participation in services demonstrates the value of “Duty to God.”
• The holiday encourages Scouts to participate actively in communal worship.
• It provides a dedicated time to thank adult volunteers for their spiritual mentorship.

How to Celebrate Scout Sabbath

To observe the day, Scouts and adult leaders should attend their regular worship services or a specially designated Scout Sabbath service wearing their full field uniforms. It is common for Scouts to participate directly in the liturgy by acting as greeters, leading a prayer, or assisting with a flag ceremony during the service. If the unit has earned any religious emblems over the past year, this is the traditional time for the Rabbi or a representative of the Jewish Committee on Scouting to formally present them.

Units can also celebrate by organizing a service project for their host congregation, such as a grounds cleanup or a food drive for a local pantry. For families, the day can be marked at home by discussing how the values of the Scout Law, such as being helpful and kind, overlap with the teachings of the Torah. Creating a display in the synagogue lobby with photos of recent camping trips or service projects helps inform the congregation about the unit’s activities and can even serve as a successful recruitment tool for new families.

• Wear the official field uniform to Friday night or Saturday morning services.
• Participate in the service by reading scripture or leading a congregational song.
• Present religious awards to Scouts who have completed their requirements.
• Conduct a service project that benefits the synagogue or its community.
• Set up a recruitment table to share information about the local Scout unit.

Scout Sabbath Dates Table

1. https://wdboyce.org/scout-sunday-and-religious-holidays/[↩]