There were no handshakes, just sniffs, at the annual blessing of the animals. It was a dog day afternoon at Temple Israel, though a couple of safely crated cats could be spotted as well.
PORTSMOUTH – There were no handshakes, just sniffs, at the annual blessing of the animals.
It was a dog day afternoon at Temple Israel, though a couple of safely crated cats could be spotted as well.
This is only the second time the temple has participated in the blessing.
"We’re giving it a particularly Jewish slant," said Rabbi David Mark.
The blessing was done in anticipation of Passover to commemorate the idea that during the exodus from Egypt, the Jews fled with their young, old, sheep and cattle, Mark said. Since there aren’t too many sheep and cattle sitting at home today, household pets were invited to be blessed.
To Robert Ruben of Portsmouth, the blessing was about "treating animals as you would people – with respect and dignity."
Ruben attended with his daughter Meira, 8, and their 6-year-old standard poodle Popcorn, who proceeded to mingle with the other canines.
Tiny Goldie, an 11-week-old yellow Lab, cozied up to gentle giant Tanker, a 17-month-old English Mastiff.
"He loves other animals," said Tanker’s mom, Sharel Persin of Hampton.
The event was a kind of debut for Goldie, who just had her shots and was ready to socialize.
"It’s perfect timing," said mom Nancy Russman of Portsmouth.
Goldie’s dad, Ryan, just hoped she’d be well behaved.
"Some divine intervention can’t hurt."
Missy, a 17-year-old Belgian sheepdog mix, and Elizabeth, an 8½-year-old Siberian husky, met before their owners did.
"I know your dog’s name, but I don’t know yours yet," said Missy’s mom, Diane Hornblas of Portsmouth, introducing herself to Elizabeth’s mom, Barbara Fein of Kittery, Maine.
The blessing started with a procession from the back of the temple to the front steps. Rabbi Mark walked with his 6-year-old Shih Tzu, Biscuit, who wore a sparkling collar.
"He’s got his bling," Mark said. And as the dog of a rabbi, "he’s always being asked religious questions by the other dogs."
Standing on the front steps of the temple, Mark introduced Abigail Smith of the N.H. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stratham. She was there with Aladdin, a greyhound rescued from a racetrack and now needs a good home.
Mark addressed the crowd and began by honoring cats, who were mostly safe at home.
"What is it we like about cats?" he asked the children around him.
They chase mice.
They keep the house clean.
"And they give us love and affection, which shows us we should love God," Mark added. "Why do we like dogs?"
Unconditional love.
Dogs are man’s best friend.
Dogs never ask for money.
"Dogs are always glad to kiss you, even if you smell bad," Mark said. "Cuddling a dog is like cuddling with God … sort of."
After quoting scriptures relevant to each animal and leading a song of prayer, Mark thanked the group for braving the Sunday wind, and asked for some divine intervention of his own: to make people as well behaved as their pets.
"Give us some of their characteristics: patience, humility, faithfulness and love."
Source: Seacoast Online
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