Keeping the Covenant: The Celebration of the Animals

Congregation Har HaShem, Boulder, CO
Jewish, Reform Movement

Based in part on the materials from COEJL’s Operation Noah, and in part on the Catholic ceremonies commemorating St. Francis of Assisi (as patron of the animals), Congregation Har HaShem has held this service annually for the last 3 years. The liturgy coincides with the reading of the story of Noah, in the Torah, and serves as a response to COEJL’s assertion that “Noah was a righteous person in his generation. Shouldn’t we be in ours?”

The promotion materials best describe the service’s intention: “Creation as a whole has its own integrity and holiness, and so too does each species. There is great breadth and depth in the Jewish tradition’s perspective on humankind’s relationship to and responsibility for Creation. Our tradition calls each and every one of us to infuse each and every action with holiness, reverence, respect and love. This service will remind us of our special relationship with, and responsibility for, not only the animals in our homes, but throughout the world.”

Those who attend “The Celebration of the Animals” (PDF) leave with an enhanced sense of responsibility for non-human animals, as well as a greater appreciation for both animals and Judaism. Congregants bring a variety of representatives from the animal world; the only requirements are that the pets are friendly, are current on their vaccinations (and otherwise healthy), and that they be leashed or in a carrier.

The liturgy also promotes local and Israeli animal welfare agencies, providing congregants with opportunities to turn inspiration into action. The congregation’s Tikkun Olam committee has held concurrent food drives and other advocacy opportunities, at the time of the service.

Participants conclude the service with the following covenant: “Through our deeds -- now -- may we bring that day near, when no creature will be afraid and every being shall live in peace, as the prophet Isaiah foretold, ‘And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed and their young ones shall lie down together.’ May we always uphold this covenant.”

• View promotional Flyer (PDF).
• View flyer for food drive benefiting Greenwood Wildlife Habitat Center and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (PDF).

Contact: Becky O’Brien at b.obrien@congregationharhashem.org

Congregational website: www.congregationharhashem.org