SARASOTA – Our furry friends on the Suncoast got blessed today.
Temple Emanu-El hosted their annual ‘Blessing of the animals’ Sunday morning in an effort to celebrate companionship and bless those who give us unconditional love.
Rabbi Shefrin says in past years, they have blessed chickens, hamsters, and one year they even blessed a donkey.
“I think Judaism looks at animals the same way we look at people, each one is unique, each one is special, that’s what makes up our families and our animals are included, Judaism teaches were actually supposed to feed our animals first, before we eat our meals, we’re supposed to take care of our animals and if that’s not taking care of someone like family, I don’t know what is,” said Rabbi Michael Shefrin of Temple Emanu-El.
Both Rabbi Shefrin and Rabbi Glickman blessed a total of 20 dogs.