Temple Emanu-El celebrates the joy of pets with Blessing of the Animals

By Ian Swaby
| 11:20 a.m. May 30, 2026

Sarasota
Neighbors

When the flood arrives in the Book of Genesis, God doesn't just save humanity through the Ark; he also saves all of the animals as well, Temple Emanu-El's leaders reminded a gathering of people.

A series of pups and a pair of cats were honored for their importance to their human companions' lives during the temple's annual Blessing of the Animals, held May 23.

The event also offered the opportunity for attendees to dress up their pets and for a family pet photo, a free veterinarian consultation, a free consultation with an animal behavioral therapist, and a raffle.

Attendees included temple members Sandra Liederman and her daughter Josie Liederman, who brought their dog Ozzie to be blessed. They said they had another dog who died during the summer, and Sandra Liederman said they brought Ozzie to the event "because we love him."

"It's just a nice tradition," she said. "Our dogs add a lot of value to our lives. They really make a difference, and getting them blessed is really just a special little thing you can do for them."

Bonnie Clarke brought Jackson to be blessed.

Back row: Andrew Samson, Lauren Fishman, Laura Samson and Susan Samson. Middle row: Daphne Samson, 9, and Cassandra Samson, 7. Front row: Spencer Wyant, 5, Rabbi Brenner Glickman with Tallulah Mae, and Winston Wyant, 7.

Robert Zack and his grandson Ben Fairweather, 16, bring Willy for a blessing from Rabbi Brenner Glickman.

Berkeley and Bill Gerber visit Rabbi Michael Shefrin.

Mark and Carol Granick bring Lacey for a blessing from Rabbi Brenner Glickman.

Jeremy Lisitza brought Mordechai to be blessed.

Rabbi Elaine Glickman, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, and Rabbi Brenner Glickman bless the Glickmans' dog Ellie.

Rabbi Michael Shefrin meets Susan Eriksen and her cat Nellie.

Rabbi Michael Shefrin blesses Susan Eriksen's cat Bobby Jones.

Kathy and Myron Bernstein brought their dog Latte.

Adrienne Krouse brought Lexi, Buffy and Jackie.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.