Judaism Dog Names

Can a dog be Jewish or is that something reserved only for humans?  Author Esor Ben-Sorek theorized about that in an article that he wrote about his daughter's beloved dog Justice. His musings were inspired by a book written by Israeli author Asher Kravitz. The book was titled “HaKelev HaYehudi”…. The Jewish Dog. It has won notoriety as a truly moving story about a dog's view of the Holocaust. Prior to the war, the dog was raised by a loving Jewish family. The canine shared in all aspects of the family's life from family gatherings to Shabbat. However, the Nazi war machine ravages Europe and separated the canine from his beloved family. The dog ended up owned by a Nazi officer and trained to become a guard dog. Eventually, the canine ends up in a horrific concentration camp where he is reunited with his beloved Jewish owner. Together they spend several years at the camp but eventually make a run for it. The human and dog survive by joining the resistance. Eventually, the war closes and they end up in Israel where they both eventually die. The story depicts how a dog can become and remain Jewish as a result of the kindness of the animal's family. 

The daughter of Esor Ben-Sorek owned a dog she called Justice (a fitting name because she is a lawyer). The dog was a beloved member of the family for 13 years. At every family gathering, the mixed breed (half Doberman and half German Shepherd) would participate. The gentle dog was not perfect, she would often jump on people and lick in a quest for affection, but overall she was a good dog who was very well-loved. 

Esor Ben-Sorek calls Justice 'every bit a Jewish dog'. She knew that when the Shabbat or Yom Tov candles were lit it was time to run over to the table and sit in silence until the Kiddush and hamotzi were completed. The sweet dog would even wait for her slice of challah. Once the Shabbat ended, Justice knew to sit quietly during the chant of the Havdalah prayers. At the end of the prayers, she would receive the last of the Shabbat challah. She was a complete Jewish dog who shared every Shabbat and holiday observance with her beloved family. 

Dogs can and do become a part of the family in every way. If a canine is a member of a Jewish family then the dog learns the traditions and beliefs to the point of even practicing all traditions. Justice was an example of the perfect Jewish dog.