Sheri Cohen uses the story of Alfie to present the custom of a Jewish boy's bar mitzvah.
However, being a dog, Alfie, of course, has a bark mitzvah.
The story is about a lovable dog who is a role model for all Jewish dogs and by extension a
role model for boys of all faith. Even without the story of his bark mitzvah, Alfie presents
behavior suitable for all boys to emulate.
Added to an already good presentation are the illustrations by Naida Komorova and the songs
of Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, one of this county's top Jewish artists.
The story is probably too simplistic for boys ready to go into manhood, but it is a good
introduction to younger Jewish boys and boys of other faiths who want to learn about other
religions.
The illustrations, along with the songs, make for a wonderful multimedia presentation of an
important event in the life of a Jewish boy, as shown through a dog's transition into doghood.
After the book has been read and discussed, the reader will have wonderful songs for listening
pleasure.