Trump Shabbos 250

Agudath Israel of America Statement in Support of the “Shabbos 250” Initiative

May 10, 2026 - 23 Iyar, 5786

Dear friends and supporters of Agudas Yisroel,

Last week, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and included a call to Jewish Americans to observe a “national Sabbath” as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. The President suggested Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar (May 15-16) as a day to be devoted to such observance.

At the direction of our senior rabbinic leadership, Agudath Israel of America supports the President’s initiative, and encourages our constituents to use the occasion to reaffirm our most sincere appreciation for the United States of America.

It is particularly appropriate to appreciate the bedrock principle of religious liberty upon which America was founded, and to reflect on the historic role America has played in serving as a haven for embattled Jews the world over. Rabbonim may want to use this opportunity to speak about hakaras hatov, particularly the importance of recognizing and appreciating the incredible good of our host nation. Families and individuals may want to encourage conversations at their Shabbos tables about ways to show their gratitude for the United States, which Harav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, referred as a “Malchus Shel Chesed”—a kingdom distinguished by kindness.

Throughout Jewish history, observance of our faith—and Shabbos in particular—has often been restricted or prohibited entirely. We are therefore fortunate to live in a nation whose legal and civic framework safeguards our ability to observe Shabbos openly and without fear. And now, with Shabbos observance being publicly acknowledged and encouraged by the President himself as an essential component of Jewish identity, our good fortune to reside in this country is compounded exponentially.  

Sincerely,

Agudath Israel of America

Statement from Agudath Israel:

Agudath Israel of America Statement in Support of the “Shabbos 250” Initiative

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and included a call to Jewish Americans to observe a “national Sabbath” as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. The President specifically pointed to the Shabbos of Parshas Bamidbar (May 15-16) as a day to strengthen Sabbath observance and express gratitude for our great Nation.

Agudath Israel supports this initiative, which is referred to in some circles as “Shabbos 250.” We encourage our constituents to use the occasion of Shabbos 250 to reflect on the historic role America has played over the years in serving as a haven of religious freedom. Indeed, the basic obligation of hakaras hatov, recognizing and appreciating the incredible good of our host nation, is a fundamental principle worthy of public acknowledgement.

“Shabbos 250 is an opportunity to celebrate the religious liberty we enjoy in this great country and to reflect on the gratitude owed to the United States by each and every one of us,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “We thank President Trump for recognizing the important role of the Jewish People and Shabbos in the history of the United States.”