This post presents blessings that animal-lovers can use for their pet dogs and cats on Shabbat in English and transliterated Hebrew. The blessings draw upon Jewish concepts associated with these animals. For example, the blessing for dogs is a play on words, taking the name “Caleb,” which sounds like the Hebrew for “dog” and also means “like a heart.” This custom was posted on Ritualwell.org, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that recognizes the power of ritual and provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices.
Shabbat Blessings for Pets
These blessings were written to be used on Erev Shabbat. Their timing is meant to parallel the blessing of children.
Blessings for Cats
Yesimkha E-lohim ka-aryot ha-sadeh
May God make you like the lions of the veldt.
[by Rabbi Ya’akov Adler]
Yesimkha E-lohim ki-yehuda ha-aryeh
May God make you like the lion of Judah.
[by Rabbi Anna Rosenfield]
Blessing for Dogs
Yesimkha E-lohim ke-kalev ha-ne-eman
May God make you like Caleb, the loyal one.