Temple Kol Ami Planning Bark Mitzvah

Charlotte Jewish News May 2021

By Shari Baum

Our dogs come on family vacations with us, accompany us to restaurants, and get gifts at Chanukah. They are a cherished part of the family! So why not give them a bark mitzvah? Temple Kol Ami of Fort Mill, South Carolina, will be holding a bark mitzvah for our four-legged family members on May 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill. No, our doggos will not be chanting from the Torah, but they will be receiving special blessings from their owners, getting their Jewish names, and having a wonderful dessert reception (because no Jewish event is complete without food). We know what you’re asking — does my fur baby have to be 13 to have a bark mitzvah? No, it doesn’t matter how old your canine is, in dog or human years. You may also be asking — what if I have a cat? The kitties are welcome, too! All animals must be under direct control by their humans, so leashes or a carrying case are a must! We will use this special occasion to do a mitzvah project. We ask that everyone bring a can of dog or cat food for donation to the Humane Society of York County. We know our furry friends would want to help their less-fortunate brethren who are waiting for a fur-ever home. The TKA bark mitzvah is open to the community. Please contact us at yorksynagogue@gmail.com for more details and to RSVP.

The Temple Kol Ami Book Club will be discussing “Morality” by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks OBM on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. We will be joined by Rabbi Bruce Aft for the discussion. If you would like to join us, contact us via e-mail, and we will send you the link.

If you live in York County or the Ballantyne area, Temple Kol Ami might be the place for you! We are a warm and inclusive Reform congregation comprising Jews from diverse backgrounds. We hope you will join us soon at one of our virtual services (first and third Fridays of the month) and find your Jewish home in our welcoming community.