On How Large a Scale Are These Ceremonies Taking Place?

The following sidebar is meant to accompany "Jews Adopt Blessing of the Animals Ceremonies and Make Them Their Own."

Below is a list of 21 synagogues and other Jewish groups that have had blessing of the animals ceremonies. While it is likely that there have been more than the ones listed here, all but two sources interviewed for this article agreed that Jewish blessing of the animals ceremonies are not taking place on a significantly larger scale.

Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields of Congregation B’nai Israel (Toms River, N.J.) believes the ceremonies are happening “on a great level,” noting that “many colleagues do do it.” She declined to elaborate or give names. At least four groups in New Jersey and four more in the Philadelphia area—plus one in New York City—have performed this ceremony.

Cantor Rob Jury of Anshe Tikvah Jewish Congregation (Northbrook, Ill.) said, “The pet blessing is becoming popular in our area with a number of congregations holding pet blessings. Although other congregations have held pet blessings in the past, the only congregation I can personally confirm held this year around Shabbat Noach was Congregation B’nai Torah in Highland Park.” He added, “Unfortunately, I am not well versed in other pet blessings outside of the Chicagoland area.”

Anshe Tikvah Jewish Congregation (Northbrook, Ill.)
Congregation Adath Jeshurun (Elkins Park, Pa.)
Congregation Beth Ahavah (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Congregation Beth Jacob (Plymouth, Mass.)
Congregation Beth Simchat Torah (New York, N.Y.)
Congregation B’nai Israel (Toms River, N.J.)
Congregation B’nai Torah (Highland Park, Ill.)
Germantown Jewish Centre (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Goucher College Hillel (Baltimore, Md.)
Mishkan Shalom Synagogue (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Center of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (New Jersey)
The Shul (Cleveland, Ohio)
Temple Adath Yeshurun (Syracuse, N.Y.)
Temple Akiba (Culver City, Calif.)
Temple Beth Am (Pinecrest, Fla.)
Temple Emanuel (Cherry Hill, N.J.)
Temple Emanu-El (Dallas, Texas)
Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach (Palm Beach, Fla.)
Temple Emanu-El of West Essex (Livingston, N.J.)
Temple Isaiah (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Temple Kol Tikvah (Woodland Hills, Calif.)