Blessing of the Animals: Service & Vegan BBQ at Emanuel Synagogue

Join us for the highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s inaugural Blessing of the Animals in the newly minted David Neil Constable AM Memorial Garden.

In a spectacular guest-star appearance, Rabbi Emeritus Jeffrey Kamins returns to host an afternoon celebrating the souls of our animals and the many ways they enrich our lives. Bigger and better than ever, this joyful celebration will include a short service, a delicious vegan BBQ for the humans, a smorgasbord of treats for our four-legged friends, activities for kids and big kids alike, a photo booth, and prizes for pets and their humans. More details and surprises will be revealed on the day.

Everyone is welcome, whether you bring a beloved pet, a curious grandchild or simply a love of all creatures great and small.

The blessing falls the day after we read Parashat Noach, early in our new cycle of Torah reading. It tells of a world so torn apart that God resolves to begin again with the righteous Noah, his family and the pairs of animals carried safely through the flood, a reminder of the care we owe every living being. Learn more here.

View the gallery from 2025’s event here.

Places are free but limited, so register early to secure yours.

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Our vegan BBQ is kindly sponsored by Vet HQ. With clinics in Darlinghurst and Double Bay, their team of vets and nurses is dedicated to “A Better Life for You and Your Pet” through compassionate care for every pet and the people who love them. A fitting partner for an afternoon celebrating the animals who enrich our lives. Learn more about Vet HQ here.

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