Temple Emanu-El honors pets at Blessing of the Animals

The ceremony was held June 2 at the Temple Emanu-El.

  • By Whitney Elfstrom
  • | 1:31 p.m. June 2, 2019
  • Sarasota
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Around 30 four-legged friends were honored at Temple Emanu-El's 10th annual Blessing of the Animals on June 3.

The ceremony was created by Rabbis Brenner and Elaine Glickman to honor the bond of pets and their owners.  Rabbi Brenner Glickman opened the ceremony by talking about the importance of loyalty and faithfulness shared between owners and their pets.

"We wanted to find a place to honor that (bond) within the Jewish community," Rabbi Elaine Glickman said.

In addition to the blessings offered by Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Rabbi Michael Shefrin, a costume station was available for owners to dress up their pets for family portraits and veterinarian Dr. Hal Alterman offered free checkups.

Josephine is named after French Empress Josephine.
Josephine is named after French Empress Josephine.
Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Doris Alpern and her dog Anna
Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Doris Alpern and her dog Anna
Rugelach (pictured) is named for a Jewish pastry.
Rugelach (pictured) is named for a Jewish pastry.
Teddy waits his turn for his blessing.
Teddy waits his turn for his blessing.
Lady poses for a photo.
Lady poses for a photo.
Lexi receives her check up from veterinarian Dr. Hal Alterman.
Lexi receives her check up from veterinarian Dr. Hal Alterman.
David Arnold and his dog Kia.
David Arnold and his dog Kia.
Jim Granite, Teddy, Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Betsy Granite
Jim Granite, Teddy, Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Betsy Granite
Mia (center) and MJ stand in line for their blessing.
Mia (center) and MJ stand in line for their blessing.
Helene Davis, Mia, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, MJ, and Bobby Griesman
Helene Davis, Mia, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, MJ, and Bobby Griesman
Elaine Herda and her cat Josephine.
Elaine Herda and her cat Josephine.
Butters is a guide dog in training.
Butters is a guide dog in training.
Josie Liederman and Roxie.
Josie Liederman and Roxie.
Veterinarian Dr. Hal Alterman and Asia
Veterinarian Dr. Hal Alterman and Asia
Around 30 pets were honored at the Blessing of the Animals.
Around 30 pets were honored at the Blessing of the Animals.
Tova smiles for the camera.
Tova smiles for the camera.
Suzan Brodsky and Rugelach receive their blessing from Rabbi Brenner Glickman.
Suzan Brodsky and Rugelach receive their blessing from Rabbi Brenner Glickman.

 

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