Gothamist: The Chosen Dog

Debbie

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 11:30:36 -0500

I'm an Orthodox Jew and I'm not offended because I have a sense of humor. If anything, I feel bad for these people -- that their lives are so empty and meaningless that they have to lavish affection on their pets because they don't have children.

joe

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 16:35:21 -0500

could be worse... coulda been a bris.

Bob

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 14:12:30 -0500

Is this more about religion or demented New Yorkers who insist on treating pets as human offspring and the unfortunate aliteration of bar/bark?

konfusion

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 13:15:38 -0500

Do people people really lack a basic sense of good taste or what? The word mockery doesn't even do justice to the ridonkulous nature of a bark mitzvah. I find myself really offended, and I'm not even Jewish, or religious for that matter. But Good Gravy people, have we no sense of respect for tradition or even common sense. Hey, alot of Catholics have there pets blessed by a priest, but a kitty confirmation, I hope not. Then there's the issue of spending who-knows-how-much cash for a dog's party. I hope he gave very generously to local charities this year.

Dirk

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 12:54:26 -0500

Oy. This is too much... though it is kind of funny.

Some Gentile

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 12:48:47 -0500

Dear Secular Jews, One source of tension between us is your feeling that we are always scorning you for not strictly observing our rituals. While there is some truth to that sentiment, please know that we respect the reasons for your decision. We agree that some of our ceremonies are ill suited for this age and we admit that we are too self-righteous at times. Sorry about that. We really do wish you nothing but good fortunes. That said, would it be too much to ask that you not make a mockery of our five thousand year old traditions? We’re not trying to be rude or anything. We get that this is supposed to be some good, innocent fun. And maybe we are being a bit too persnickety or are living in the past. But several million of our ancestors did die at the hands of people who taunted us with things like this. It’s just that it’s really hard for us not to take this personally. We hope you understand. Thanks, Religious Jews