Nico Rivera ’26
Contributing Writer
On Feb. 21, the Jewish Student Organization (JSO) celebrated Archie’s “Bark Mitzvah” in the Underground. The ceremony was held to mark Archie’s entry into adulthood and educate attendees about Jewish culture.
JSO began celebrating Archie’s Bark Mitzvah in spring 2023, after Wooster’s mascot changed from the Fighting Scot to Archie the Scottie dog.
“I don’t remember how the idea started, but we thought it would be a fun event to get people together and learn a little bit about an important part of Jewish culture,” JSO co-president Sydney Berenson ’25 said.
Traditionally, a Bar (or Bat) Mitzvah is a ritual and a celebration in which Jewish children take part at the age of 12 or 13. Passing into “adulthood” does not mean that children are considered full adults or mature — rather, that they can fully engage in all areas of Jewish community life.
“You prep it, you do a service and you relate something big in your life to the Torah,” JSO co-president Lizzie Kohler ’25 said. “It’s about connecting yourself to your Jewish community more.”
The night started with activities as people mingled and waited for the main ceremony to start. JSO prepared materials for face painting, drawing and temporary tattoos. JSO treasurer Stuart Franklin ’26 wanted these activities to “hearken back to childhood and get people in that carefree spirit.”
Next, JSO got attendees together to play group games. Afterwards, Franklin gave a prepared speech to congratulate a plush Archie on his Bark Mitzvah and transition into adulthood. Guests were then invited to toss candy at Archie to wish him a “sweet” transition into adulthood and to shower him with blessings.
The high point of the ceremony occurred with the Hora dance. Archie was hoisted up on a chair by participants as guests linked arms and danced in a circle to “Hava Nagila,” a Jewish folk song typically played at Bar Mitzvahs and other celebrations. As per tradition, Archie was dressed in a yarmulke and a tallit, a ritual prayer shawl.
The ceremony was well-received by many guests who came out to celebrate Archie’s milestone. Attendee Liam Donovan ’26 said, “It’s such a good opportunity to learn about Jewish culture, and it’s a very big moment for Archie.”
The College of Wooster JSO is not the first group to throw a ‘bark mitzvah.’ According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the tongue-in-cheek ceremony can be traced back to 1958 — Janet and Max Salter, former mayor and city councilman of Beverly Hills, celebrated their cocker spaniel’s 13th birthday with the ritual. Guests of the ceremony brought the honoree pup biscuits and fountain pens — pens were a typical gift for Bar Mitzvahs of the day. The practice proliferated as friends in the Salters’ social circle began celebrating their pets as well.