JESSICA ROTTER
Staff Writer
Say Mazel Tov, he’s a Bark Mitzvah! No, that is not a typo. Malibu resident Shari Cohen has recently published a children’s book entitled “Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah.” Who knew a dog could be Jewish?
The book tells the story of Alfie, a good-natured and loving dog, and his journey into adulthood.
A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ceremony when a 13-year-old boy becomes a man in the faith. He becomes a Bar Mitzvah, which means “son of the commandment.”
Bark Mitzvah must mean “dog of the commandment.”
This book follows Cohen’s other children’s book entitled “My Dog is Jewish,” which was received with much laughter and excitement by many Jewish children.
“I loved seeing kids stop and laugh in the middle of reading this book,” Cohen said on the “Alfie” website.
After reading “My Dog is Jewish” and watching the dog go through the various Jewish holidays, Cohen’s cousin suggested she do a book about a “Bark Mitzvah.”
Cohen loved the idea but wanted it to have some songs attached. Luckily, Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, who is the Cantor at the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue, moved in next door. She heard him practicing for the High Holiday Services and they became great friends.
Just as Cohen was thinking about writing another story for Jewish children, Gindlin was thinking about recording a new CD for children. According to Cohen, she “knew immediately that it was beshert.”
As Cohen wrote this book, she heard it come to life musically, with Gindlin’s songs, and artistically, with the help of illustrator Nadia Komorova.
Komorova sent Cohen a drawing of a beagle “with these eyes you could just look into, I knew it was [Alfie],” Cohen told The Malibu Times. “I could envision the Alfie she drew doing good things in the community.”
Gindlin moved to Malibu in 2000 from Argentina and has written and recorded Jewish music before, but this is the first time he was asked to compose for a book. The accompanying CD includes songs he and adult and children’s choirs perform. Songs range from upbeat songs like “Celebrate” to more epic ballads like “From Generation to Generation.” Although he wrote the songs for the book, he believes that they stand on their own and can be used for many Jewish occasions and services.
He definitely stands on his own as his musical colleagues and various Rabbis praised him for his work. The following reviews can all be found on the Alfie website.
“Cantor Marcelo Gindlin is my hero” said Julie Silver, a nationally beloved singer/songwriter. “His extraordinary voice, his generous soul, and his gift for reaching children through music comes through in every note of these wonderful songs.”
Even Mally Lewis and Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop praised his work.
“The songs in Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah made me want to sing and dance! I can’t wait to have my ‘Ba-a-a-a-at Mitzvah’ with Cantor Marcello!!!”
Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in New York said, “Cantor Marcelo Gindlin’s CD of songs brings voice to Alfie. His songs are upbeat, spiritual and a delight for young and old.”
“Cantor Marcelo is one of the top Jewish artists in the country and Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah is his best CD yet. Part musical theatre and part pop, Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah is 100% top notch” according to Craig Taubman, Jewish artist/singer/composer/producer.
In addition to the music, the book has received much acclaim by Jews and Gentiles alike.
“The sweet tale of Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah is a delightful way to learn about and rejoice in traditions of the Jewish culture… I got a little “fur”klempt!” says Jon Provost, actor.
Betty White, an actress and an animal-welfare activist, responded to Alfie’s character: “Alfie is absolutely adorable, and he is such a good guy… he is thoughtful and kind and has a great sense of humor.”
According to Rabbi Andrew Straus, “this book will help young children, Jew and non-Jew alike, better understand the true meaning of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.”
The Director of Education at the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue, Michal Marks said, “I especially love the special lessons contained in the story… [it] is the perfect book for little ones and their grown ups… We read it to our dog Sophie every night and she barks with happiness. As a matter of fact, I would hope that each family has a copy of Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah.”
Rochelle Tiche, a preschool teacher, agrees that all families, even non-Jewish families should get the book: “The rhyming text and comical illustrations will appeal to all children, not just Jewish children. It also opens up discussion of other cultures…”
This book is a real success for Author Shari Cohen, Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, and Illustrator Nadia Komorova.
Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications, made a good choice in deciding to publish this universally appealing and culturally enlightening children’s book. With so much positive feedback, everyone is sure to love “Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah.” For more information and complete interviews and acclamations, go to www.alfiesbarkmitzvah.com.
04-23-2007