Rabbi’s blessing the cat’s meow

JEWISH House’s Rabbi Mendel Kastel said a blessing for cats last week as part of World Animal Day.

Rabbi Kastel joined forces with the Member of NSW Legislative Council Walt Secord, Sam Kovac from the Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic and the Cat Protection Society of NSW.

“I went to the Cat Protection Society’s shelter in Newtown and they gave me a tour and introduced me to volunteers and people adopting pets,” Rabbi Kastel said.

“They were cats running around everywhere and we gave a blessing to the cats and their carers and the wonderful organisation that works with cats in the community.”

Rabbi Kastel spoke about the story of Noah and the ark and said that, even from a Torah perspective, it is important to feed and take care of animals.

World Animal Day is held each year on October 4.

Its mission is to celebrate animal life in all its forms and our relationship with animals, to acknowledge the roles they play in our lives and to give thanks for the way they enrich our lives.

The Cat Protection Society of NSW is an independent charity that has been caring for cats since 1955.

They operate Sydney’s only no-kill shelter just for cats and assist thousands of cats every year through programs including rehoming, discount desexing, health and behaviour information and education.

SOPHIE WEISZ

Rabbi Mendel Kastel blessing a cat at the Cat Protection Society of NSW’s shelter as part of World Animal Day. Photo: Gareth Narunsky