Bark mitzvah
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Bark Mitzvah, a term in use at least as early as 1997,[1] is a pseudo-traditional observance and celebration of a dog's coming of age,[2][3] as in the Jewish traditional Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah. Bark Mitzvahs are sometimes held as an adjunct to the festival of Purim.[4]
The term is also used for a dog-assisted literacy education project,[5] one of several ‘bark mitzva’ projects designed by a Lawrenceville, New Jersey conservative synagogue's religious school to teach children about tzedaka, the Jewish practice of charity.
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[edit] Coming of age
The Bark Mitzvah most commonly occurs when the dog turns 13 in dog years. This is equivalent to about 1.8 human years. During some Bark Mitzvahs, dogs wear a tallit or a ritual prayer shawl worn during Jewish religious services and ceremonies. A male dog wears a specific yarmulke, yarmulke, or thin skullcap.
During the Bark Mitzvah ceremony, the young dog will be called to "read" the Torah and/or Haftorah portion at a Sabbath or other service. This becomes the responsibility of the pet owner. What the Bark Mitzvah may do during the service varies from canine to canine. Following the service is a reception to celebrate the dog’s coming of age.
[edit] History
In 1997, the first Bark Mitzvah was celebrated, receiving scrutiny and disapproval from several rabbis. One rabbi expressed his distaste for Bark Mitzvahs in a letter to the editor of the The New York Times,[1] describing the celebration as "nothing less than a desecration of a cherished Jewish tradition" and that Bark Mitzvahs "degrade some of the central principles of Jewish life."
Although the idea of the Bark Mitzvah was frowned upon by some, the idea spread nationwide and the celebrations have continued to occur. The ceremonies became increasingly popular on the East and West Coasts in the early 2000s. As a result, specialty pet stores and dog bakeries now offer special Bark Mitzvah party packages, Bark Mitzvah party favors and Bark Mitzvah gifts.
[edit] Notable Bark Mitzvahs
[edit] Kasha Lowy
Parent(s): Bruce Lowy
Place: Skokie, Illinois
Lowy Residence
Date: October 4, 2002
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Description: Bruce Lowy claims to have started the Bark Mitzvah trend by displaying photographs of Kasha’s ceremony online. The event was fully catered, complete with a live band. Via Kasha’ Web Page, Lowy received e-mails from Russia, Poland, France, England and Australia supporting the idea of the Bark Mitzvah.[6]
[edit] Admiral Rufus K. Boom Nadler
Parent(s): Mark Nadler
Place: New York City
Nadler Residence
Date: December 2004
Breed: Wheaten Terrier
Description: Mark Nadler, a New York cabaret singer, hired party planners and bartenders to ensure a special evening for Admiral Boom. The event was complete with a Bark Mitzvah cake displaying Boom’s photograph and his name written in English and Hebrew, satin Yarmulkes with Boom’s name and date printed inside and a full buffet. Mark Nadler requested that as a Bark Mitzvah gift to Boom, guests make a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Coverage of the celebration was featured in the NY Times.[2]
[edit] Colombo Rudy
Parent(s): Edie and Ed Rudy
Place: Aventura, Florida
Date: October 14, 2005
Breed: Poodle
Description: Edie and Ed Rudy celebrated Columbo Rudy’s coming of age at an outdoor Aventura café. Rabbi Rex Doberman signed a certificate from Congregation Beth Poodle congratulating the canine. Coverage of the event was featured on MSNBC.[7]
[edit] Elvis Best
Parent(s): David Best
Place: New York City
Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse
Date: November 10, 2007
Breed: Parson Russell Terrier
Description: David Best, CEO of MDea and TheDoctorsChannel.com, hosted this celebration at famous Jewish steakhouse Sammy’s Roumanian. The event featured live music, traditional Jewish cuisine and various speeches given by Elvis Best himself. In attendance were representatives from various pharmaceutical companies nationwide. As a result, the celebration served as the event of the season in the pharmaceutical industry. The infamous sex therapist Dr. Ruth also helped Elvis celebrate his big day. Coverage of the event[8] is available on YouTube, The Doctor's Channel, and Aol.com.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Letter to the editor (19 January 1997). A Rabbi's View Of a 'Bark Mitzvah'. The New York Times.
- ^ a b Lily Koppel (20 December 2004). Today He Is a Dog; Actually He Always Was. The New York Times.
- ^ Shari Cohen and Marcelo Gindlin. Alfie's Bark Mitzvah. Chandler: Five Star Publications, 2007. Book with audio CD. ISBN 1-58985-055-6, ISBN 978-1589850552. ASIN 1589850556.
- ^ Maryann Mott (6 October 2006). Pets Gaining Recognition in Places of Worship. National Geographic News.
- ^ Marilyn Silverstein (7 April 2006). Adath Israel is dogged in its commitment to youth education. New Jersey Jewish News.
- ^ Bruce J. Lowy. Kasha's Bark Mitzvah. Bruce Lowy website.
- ^ Muzzle-tov! Couple holds Jewish coming of age ceremony for dog. MSNBC Countdown with Keith Olbermann (18 October 2005).
- ^ Elvis: The Bark Mitzvah Highlights Film. The Doctor's Channel (also on YouTube).
[edit] Further reading
- Diana L. Guerrero. Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures. New York: Sterling, 2007. ISBN 1-40272-967-7, ISBN 978-1402729676. ASIN 1402729677.
- Lauren Soul. Bark Mitzvahs. The Jewish Magazine: Toronto, June 2008. http://thejewishmagazine.com/current_issue/emag.asp (pg.12) ISBN 14169873201-6.
