Tikvat Israel News

2006 ... 2007 ... 2008 ... 2009 ... 2010 ... 2011 ... 2012 -

January ... February ... March ... April ... May ... June ... July ... August ... September ... October ... November ... December

The Cat's Meow: All Invited to Buffy's Bark Mitzvah @ TI.........posted Apr 29, 2009

Buffy's turning 13 this year so, accordingly, Congregation Tikvat Israel will be throwing a celebration of her rite of passage.

Buffy, though, happens to be a cockapoo - the beloved pet of Cantor Rochelle Helzner. In fact, Buffy's the first dog she's ever owned so a special occasion seems to be in order.

The result will be one of the more unusual synagogue events ever - Buffy's Bark Mitzvah Celebration and Animal Fair. It'll take place from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 in the synagogue's parking lot and surrounding grounds. (Rain date is Sunday, June 7.) Parking will be available next door at Rockville High School.

All pets (on leashes or in cages) and their owners -- and anyone else who loves animals for that matter -- will be welcome to participate in the lively celebration. You do not need to bring an animal to attend.

The event will include an array of activities and contests for animals and humans, including information booths on aspects of pet care and ownership. Planned contests will include these categories: best-dressed pet; best-decorated pet cage; closest pet/owner look-alike; best pet trick contest; and pet/owner relays.

Also slated will be demonstration by the Seeing Eyes Puppy Raisers and a raffle carrying a prize for an original sketch of a pet. Vendor services and refreshments also will be available.

The genesis of the Bark Mitzvah was an innocuous discussion about pets among the cantor and members of the staff in the Tikvat Israel office. Debbie Segal, the synagogue's bookkeeper, is an avid pet lover,, and Michelle Hannon, the administrative assistant, was about to adopt a dog at the time.

"I got to thinking about how much people love their pets and love to share information about them and that other people are interested in hearing about them," Helzner said."I thought what a great idea it would be for people to be able to show off this important family member and to meet other family pets as well."

It just so happened that her dog Buffy had turned 13 in human years back in January, thus sparking the unique notion of holding a Bark Mitzvah celebration where all animals and humans could get together to play and celebrate.

As part of the event, Tikvat Israel is collecting supplies for House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary, an organization based in Gaithersburg that offers sanctuary and hospice care for aging dogs. Drop-off boxes will be available for donations of the following supplies: doggie beds, new or used blankets, Q-Tips, gauze squares, non-alcoholic baby wipes, detergent for high-efficiency clothes washer, dishwasher cleaner packets, beef-flavored Pill Pockets, paper towels, 30-gallon trash bags, canned string beans, peanut butter and metal pet bowls.