Dear Haverim,
As the Book of Job tells us: “Ask the beasts and they will teach you.” We all have something to learn from every animal, especially from the unconditional love that so many of our pets give us. After all, the Hebrew word for dog “Kelev” has also been interpreted as “Kalev” – like the heart. We know that our hearts have become more loving from the caring, compassion and companionship that our pets have taught us.
You’ll remember this Friday night “fur-ever.” I’m not “kitten” you!
I’ll describe the differences between “dog rabbis and cat rabbis;” I’ll tell you about “Rosh Hashanah L’Behemot,” the special “New Year for Animals;” and what Jewish tradition has to say about compassion for animals, what we call “tza’ar ba’alei hayim.”
University Synagogue member and author Ron Ovadia will share a few stories from his children’s book, “What Animals Can Teach Us,” stories that inspire humans to emulate the love and loyalty that so many animals have for us and each other. Ron is an Irvine-based lyricist, songwriter, and children’s book author whose other books include: “Hank: Or How We Tried to Get Rid Of Our Ants,” “First Dog of 1600 Pooch’lvania Avenue,” a dog’s-eye view of the White House as told by the Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, “Pelican, Pelican’t,” about overcoming fear and trauma, and “A Special Kind of Family,” about the spirit of ohana (family) in the outrigger paddling community. His current song, “Your Beloved Home,” is a tribute to the Ukrainian people.
Although 60% of American households have pets, you don’t need to have one nor do you need to bring one to enjoy our “Pet Shabbat.” Bring your dog, cat, rabbit, bird or gefilte fish! Bring a toy or stuffed animal. It’ll be held outdoors in our “Barking Lot,” in the Dr. Robert Rood Sukkot Garden.
If you or your pet would like to read one of the English readings at the service, please email me by Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at rabbi@universitysynagogue.org. (Click here to RSVP for our in-person services. If you want to watch on Livestream, there’s no need to RSVP – just click the link on our homepage at the time of the service or anytime thereafter.)
So, “paws” for a moment, imagine how much fun it will be, call your friends, hop to it, have dogged determination, herd your family and join us for this fun-filled, pet and child friendly Shabbat.
Then, on this Saturday evening, September 9, at 7:00 p.m., we’ll prepare for the High Holidays (that begin in a week and a half from now!) with Selichot. At 7:00 p.m., we’ll join for a Social (Half) Hour, followed by a brief Havdalah ceremony at 7:30 p.m. At 7:45 p.m., singer/songwriter Daniel Nahmod (a favorite at University Synagogue) will inspire us through his words and music to reflect on the grand themes of the High Holidays – joy, celebration, introspection, apologizing, forgiving and envisioning our opportunities for spiritual, ethical and psychological growth in the New Year.
Mr. Nahmod has performed his profound, heart-opening original music for over one million people and has sold 100,000 CDs. His poetic and evocative message of peace, love and compassion across all nations, cultures and faiths has found overwhelming acceptance wherever he has performed. Nahmod has been featured on numerous cable and radio broadcasts in over 90 countries, at cultural festivals, interfaith and environmental fairs, workshops and conferences, youth rallies, 9/11 services, and as a keynote musical presenter at benefits for such organizations as Habitat For Humanity and the Anti-Defamation League. He has presented his music and message for nearly all of the world's major faiths, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, and Mormon audiences. Click here to RSVP for our Selichot service.
Wishing you, in advance, a Sha-bark Shalom,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
