Tu B’Av: Jewish Holiday of Love & Loving Our Dogs

Mazel Pups Podcast

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Join us for an informative as well as touching episode focusing on tradition, romantic love and the special bond we share with our furry friends.

We begin by exploring the heartwarming connection between Rabbi Sam Yolen and his absolutely precious dog Stella – who joined us in the studio with Rabbi Sam. Rabbi Sam takes us through his inspiring journey from his ordination at the Academy of Jewish Religion to his current role at Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Along the way, he shares touching anecdotes about how Stella has become an essential part of his rabbinate.

In a captivating discussion, we delve into the essence of Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love. We trace its historical roots back to the time when the Temple was standing in Jerusalem and Tu B’Av was a matchmaking festival, in which young single Israelite women would dress in white and go out and dance in the vineyards, and the unmarried men would go watch them to find a wife - to modern times, when Tu B’Av is celebrated as a holiday of love. Rabbi Yolen provides thoughtful insights on how to recontextualize Tu B’Av so that this ancient holiday can be relevant and meaningful in modern times.

Then we shift focus from romantic love to the love we feel for our canine companions. The episode concludes on a musical note with Rabbi Yolen offering a heartfelt performance - playing his guitar and singing - of "Can't Help Falling in Love," adding an emotional layer to our dialogue about faith, love, and the joy that dogs bring into our lives. If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll see a montage of dogs with the humans who love them – concluding with Rabbi Robyn and her dogs Bo and Frankie, and Rabbi Sam and Stella.

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at [e-mail].
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And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at www.PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.
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Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn