Is It Kosher?

Dear Dog Lady,

Ever hear of a Bark Mitzvah? My friend Marge is throwing one for her dog, Biscuit. Her invitation promises plenty of food, a “coming of age ceremony,” games, and “other surprises.” I can’t imagine what other surprises Marge might have in store since the term “Bark Mitzvah” alone took my breath away. Frankly, the whole thing offends me, even though Marge has always seemed like a reasonably sane person. What’s your take?

-Warren, Claremont, Calif.

Warren, don’t you be warrin’ over this fickle finger of fete. Dog Lady would guess that in Marge’s life, Biscuit is her blessing -- her “mitzvah.” She seeks a reason to celebrate her dog’s passage out of puppyhood.

You could have some cause for discomfort if Marge dresses her dog in a kippah or prayer shawl, but Biscuit will be more uncomfortable. Dogs dislike hats and garments -- although a temple in Santa Monica, Calif. recently hosted a Bark Mitzvah at which all pet participants received little yarmulkes.

You find it offensive, but Bark Mitzvahs have become an accepted rover ritual, according to Forward, a Jewish journal. The consensus gathered by reporter Rachel Zuckerman suggested that Bark Mitzvahs offer an excuse to celebrate canine family members -- and for temples to raise money in a wholesome way through outdoor activities.

There are dissenting opinions. Rabbi Avi Shafran, public affairs director of Agudath Israel of America, believes “a bar mitzvah speaks to the ideal” of humanity – choice and free will, qualities our pets do not share. Nonetheless, Rabbi Shafran acknowledges the importance of animals: “The Talmud says that when one comes home they have to feed their animals before they feed themselves. I feed my tropical fish before I eat dinner each night."

Our dogs may not be conscientiously spiritual beings, but they do have a paw in the divine. Pets have become the focus of church marketing efforts, according to a recent story in the Wall Street Journal. Attendance doubled at an Episcopal church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after the invitation went out for pets to participate once a month at Sunday services. Another Episcopal church in Connecticut also welcomes pets. Outside houses of worship, some priests and rabbis now say prayers at animal burials. They also accompany grieving owners to the vet when pets are euthanized.

Many human bar and bat mitzvahs stray from the religious focus. The bar bashes have become flagrantly high-end excuses to show off and party. Why not a Bark Mitzvah? It sounds wholesome. At least, the food could be fabulous.

Warren, don’t be turned off by Marge’s unorthodox invitation. Dog Lady encourages you to accept graciously, buy a small gift, and go in the spirit of l’chaim – to life!

Posted by Dog Lady at April 9, 2004 04:33 PM