Boy Scouts Show Reverence at Wantagh Temple

Around the world, parents want to instill great values within their children. Whether it’s being respectful, honest, trustworthy – these are all traits elder members of society try to rear into children. With this mission in mind, the Boy Scouts of America makes it a personal goal to instill positive traits within America’s youth. One of these traits is “reverence”. 

In fulfillment of this goal – that every Boy Scout must be “reverent” - Saturday and Sunday, The Boy Scouts of America commemorated the Boy Scouts Sabbath and Sunday. On this weekend, the Boy Scouts can choose to attend a religious service in order to gain the merit badge for “reverence”.

in Wantagh was the host of the Boy Scouts Sabbath, where Cub, Boy and Eagle Scouts all gathered to observe and participate in a typical Chabot service.

None of the Boy Scouts are required to strive for this merit badge because the modern day Scouts are nonsectarian and nondenominational. The Boy Scouts don’t force anyone to ascribe to any particular faith to join. On this night however, scouts of all ages showed up at the Wantagh synagogue.

"The good thing is .... that the Boy Scouts don’t force anyone to go to any services," said Adam Cohen, volunteer leader of Troop 189 in Wantagh.  "We’re open and inviting to everyone."

With Cohen’s own son participating in the Chabat service, the Scouts truly enjoyed a sense of community.

“Troop 189…we’re a family of our own. We really have gotten to know each other and formed a strong bond,” Cohen said. “We really try to teach the boys how to survive on their own, from doing camping trips, snow tubing and even rock climbing."