Special Noah’s Ark

Service For Young Children

SOUTHBURY — B’nai Israel, a warm and welcoming Reform congregation in Southbury, invites young children and their families to share in a Noah’s Ark Sabbath worship on Saturday morning, October 14.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff will lead this unique Tot Shabbat service. Musicians Linda Goodman and Dennis Guillaume will lead the children in singing animal songs. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to place in Noah’s Ark.

At the conclusion of the creative service, the children will meet two honored guests: Elvis and Hero, two certified urban search and rescue dogs. Elvis, a 10-year old Labrador retriever, was deployed to the World Trade Center disaster, and spent 14 days in search and rescue volunteer work at Ground Zero. Elvis was honored for his work at 9/11.

He and his owner/ handler, Mark Dawson of Southbury, have been featured in books about urban search and rescue dogs.

Hero, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, works with Konnie Hein, also of Southbury, who is a canine search specialist for FEMA and for the Connecticut Department of Homeland Security.

Mr Dawson and Ms Hein will show the children how their dogs conduct search and rescue work. Elvis and Hero will both be available for hugs and pets.

Noah’s Ark Tot Shabbat begins at 9:15 am at B’nai Israel, at the Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus, 444 Main Street North.

All are welcome to attend. Animal cookies will be served.

For more information call the B’nai Israel office at 267-3394.