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People will do just about anything for their dogs - feed them gourmet treats, buy them fancy sweaters and raincoats to protect them from the elements – and throw them birthday parties or Bark Mitzvahs. Yes, Bark Mitzvahs, the animal counterpart to the traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony for 13 year old boys, have gained popularity in the Jewish community during the past decade. While most Bark Mitzvahs are informal parties honoring a pet, some do have a spiritual component and take place at a synagogue.
Background and Controversy
The first Bark Mitzvahs were recorded in the New York City area in 1997. The practice is frowned upon by some rabbis, who think it makes a mockery of a sacred spiritual ceremony.. Still, Bark Mitzvahs (and the occasional Meow Mitzvah) have taken hold in New York, Florida and California. Some folks use it to mark a dog’s 13th year or 13th month, while others calculate the appropriate canine Mitzvah age as 2 years, which roughly calculates to 14 human years. Bark Mitzvahs have attracted a good amount of mainstream media coverage over the past few year. Keith Olbermann featured a story about a coming-of-age party for a Florida dog named Columbo Rudy on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
Fundraising and Neighborhood Pet Parties
Most dog owners consider Bark Mitzvahs just another fun way for pet owners to celebrate their furry companions. Some owners fit their dogs with a prayer shawl and/or a special version of a yarmulke, or skullcap, used during real Bat Mitzvahs for teen boys.
The term “Bark Mitzvah” is sometimes used to describe a generic party or event for a group of dogs and their owners. The play on words is amusing to many people, and some synagogues sponsor trips to the dog park under the moniker. The festivities are often part of a charity fundraiser, benefiting organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or animal shelters. Private Bark Mitzvah parties are a great way for neighbors and their dogs to hang out and have a good time. Flashier parties take place at dog salons or even restaurants. Bark Mitzvahs are as much fun for the owners as for the dogs, as this video demonstrates.
Small businesses specializing in quirky pet products have jumped on the Bark Mitzvah bandwagon. Owners can indulge their pet with a celebratory doggie basket that includes plush toys, chews and treats. Café Press has a selection of Bark Mitzvah greeting cards and invitations. Dog bakeries offer all-meat cakes, homemade biscuits and a star collar for the canine guest of honor.
The concept may seem a little wacky to some, but overall, Bark Mitzvahs are just another way for dog owners to bond with their pets. And the guest of honor will surely enjoy all the attention!
Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore
This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com
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