New Jersey – The Associated Press released new footage of a New Jersey dog named Nicky, photographed wearing a kippah for a ceremony attended by his owner and friends.

“I perform Bark Mitzvahs because it’s a blessing for the animals,” said Lee Day, who performed the “Bark Mitzvah” for Nicky in New Jersey. “I really believe that the animals have a right to have a party and a religion.”

According to The Associated Press, the craze performed by members of the American Jewish community including the exchange of cards and invitations for the event, is a multi-million dollar business.

“It’s really part of a sacred tradition,” said Rabbi Daniel Satlow, referring to the human version of the ceremony. “To imagine that a dog could do anything like this is degrading.”

“This is nothing less than a desecration of a cherished Jewish tradition and degrades some of the central principles of Jewish life. I urge readers to reject such practices,” wrote Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff. “I enjoy a good time as much as the next person. But not at the expense of religious traditions that need strengthening, not desecrating.”