What is this event all about?
This is an event to celebrate the Shabbat when we read the story of Noah and the Ark in a fun way! This story comes at the beginning of the Torah reading cycle, many generations after God banished Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. God realizes that humanity has gone astray and decides to start fresh, choosing Noah, the most righteous in his generation, to gather two animals of every kind to stay safe in an ark while God wipes out the rest of the world in a horrible flood. Noah, his wife, and all the animals, crowd into the tiny boat and spend the next 40 days and 40 nights weathering the storm before God sends Noah a sign that it is time to return to land and repopulate the earth.
This story, with all its drama, invites us to celebrate the sacred creatures who Noah and God together saved. It is an opportunity to reflect on the impact our precious pets can have on our lives and to offer them a special blessing that they too, will be remembered in God's ongoing covenant.
Though Noah saved all the animals during the flood, this event is only for dogs, and their owners.
What will we do at the event?
We will gather outside the off-leash dog park at Bryant Lake Regional Park for a short retelling of the story of Noah and a special blessing for all the dogs (including special doggy treats).
After the blessing and some organized schmoozing and nosh for the owners, folks can decide if they'd like to let their dogs play in the off-leash park.
What else do I need to know?
Please only bring dogs that are friendly with other dogs and other humans, including children. You know your animal and we trust that you will not bring your dog if they have a history of aggression of any kind.
All dogs will remain on leash for the blessing and will only go off-leash if you decide to enter the off-leash part of the park after the blessing.
YourJewish is not responsible for any dog-related incidents and you are entering this event the way you would any other dog park.
Please note that we will be providing light nosh for the humans and dog treats for the dog.