Havdalah for the animals

On Saturday night, Feb. 13, Temple Israel held a Havdalah service in honor of the members' four-legged friends. Under Jewish law, animals have some of the same rights as humans do. They rest on Shabbat; they are forbidden to be muzzled to prevent them from eating while working in the field, just like human workers who must be allowed to eat from the produce of their labor.

Children and adults made pet toys and enjoyed a pet parade around the social hall. Toys were tested out on our playground with great reviews.

The Pet Havdalah was part of Temple Israel's pet food drive for Seminole County Animal Services with attendees donating pet food for either cats or dogs at this event.

Temple Israel is collecting pet food donations at the synagogue, located at 50 South Moss Road, Winter Springs through March 15. Please visit the website at http://www.tiflorida.org and SCAS website http://www.petallianceorlando.org for more information.