The second-annual “Blessing of the Animals” will take place 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 at Congregation Merkaz Ha-Iyr, North Central Phoenix’s home for liberal progressive Judaism.

    Pets of all kinds and their families are invited to be blessed by Rabbi Barb Moskow and to attend a brief educational program on service dogs, led by Meg, “a service dog in training” and her trainer Jill Thompson.

    Congregation Merkaz Ha-Iyr (meaning “Center of the City”) meets at 7901 N. Central Ave., inside CrossRoads United Methodist Church. To RSVP for events or for more information about the congregation, contact Rabbi Moskow at rabbibarb@congregationmerkaz.org or call 602-795-0471.