Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/133618
Sarasota News Leader May 31, 2013 Page 99 families enrolled in The Gan, the temple's pre- "For the past 18 years, the Belin Awards school, will be offered complimentary temple have encouraged Reform congregations to memberships, the release adds. find innovative ways to welcome and engage those who might find a home in our congrega"We realize that the earlier a family gets intions, bringing new life to our communities," volved in the congregational life of a temple, said URJ Senior Vice President Rabbi Jonah the sooner they begin to build lasting relaPesner in the release. "The winners exemplify tionships," said Marc Rosen, vice president of the Jewish mitzvot of ahavat ger, loving the membership, in the release. "Our Gift Memstranger and keruv, drawing near those who bership program is the little nudge that many are far." young families need to help them make the decision to become valued members of our For more information, visit http://urj.org/cong/ Temple Sinai family." outreach/belin/. TEMPLE EMANU-EL'S BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS CELEBRATES PETS Temple members and community guests brought their beloved pets to Temple Emanu-El for the synagogue's fifth annual Blessing of the Animals on May 18. The only event of its kind in the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community, Temple Emanu-El's Blessing of the Animals welcomed 38 dogs and three hamsters for a morning of thanking God for the gift of animal companionship, a news release says. Pets and humans alike enjoyed water, snacks and socializing before listening to a talk given by Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman about animals in Jewish tradition. Each pet then received an individual blessing from Glickman and had a family pet portrait taken by photographer Alice Cotman. "It was a wonderful event and will long be remembered," commented Joy Finnimore, who brought her dog, Lady, for a blessing, the release notes. Blessing of the Animals was co-chaired by Alice Cotman, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman and Kim Sheintal. For more information about Temple Emanu-El programs, call 379-1997. % Rabbis Brenner and Elaine Glickman, Alice Cotman, and Kim Sheintal led Temple Emanu-El's Blessing of the Animals. Contributed photo