ABSTRACT
In Jewish and Christian traditions, blessings of animals, and more specifically of pets, are becoming increasingly popular. While some historical evidence of such blessings exists, tracing their precise origins proves difficult. Contemporary practice in some Jewish communities includes blessings on a variety of days, including the seventh day of Passover, Parashat No’ach, and Tu B’Shvat. These blessings are primarily found in congregations in the U.S. In Christianity blessings are held most often during either the Feast of St. Francis (October) or the Feast of St. Anthony Abbot (January). Christian blessings occur in a variety of places in the world. Some suggest that the contemporary move to bless animals was sparked by the spectacular blessings that take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. As pets become a part of more and more households, pet blessings both in religious communities and in some interfaith and secular settings are becoming increasingly widespread.
