By Emma Driban, Editor
While you were reading the January issue of Jewish Living Delaware, you may have seen some friendly furry faces on page 28 and wanted to learn more. Well, here’s your chance!
The Pawsitively Jewish 2025 Calendar was dreamt up by two local Jewish women, who were inspired by the need to create something uplifting in the aftermath of October 7. Abbe Lunger of PrintArtKids—a mom-owned and operated small business which creates fun, personalized items featuring your kid’s original art—and Rabbi Robyn Frisch of Mazel Pups—a website created as a way for Jewish and Jew-ish dog lovers to learn more about Jewish dog-related topics—are the co-collaborators behind the unique calendar, which, as stated in last month’s sneak preview, combines elements of Jewish tradition, joy, and adorable dogs.
Abbe and Rabbi Robyn spent some time with Jewish Living Delaware, answering questions about their latest project. Read on for the complete interview.
- How did you meet?
Rabbi Robyn: It was completely random on my end—but it feels b’shert (meant to be). In December 2023, a couple of months after the horrors of October 7, Abbe reached out to me. She emailed saying she wanted to create something uplifting to benefit a Jewish or Israeli organization and thought that her PrintArtKids and my Mazel Pups were a perfect match. She ended her email with, “I’m hoping that you are intrigued and would be interested in working together . . .” And I absolutely was.
Abbe: When I reached out to Robyn, I had no idea that she lived within 20 minutes of my home! She could have lived anywhere in the USA! Our proximity to each other made working on this project even more rewarding, exciting and fun—we were able to meet in person to share ideas (and sometimes frustrations), review proofs, and discuss how best to promote the calendar. It was a true partnership! Together, Robyn and I created a beautiful and meaningful calendar, and developed a special friendship in the process.
- How did you each get into your respective roles?
Rabbi Robyn: I’ve always loved both Judaism and dogs. In January 2022, I thought, “Why not bring them together?” So, I started a Facebook group where Jewish dog lovers could celebrate their furry friends and their heritage. People shared pictures of their dogs doing everyday things—and uniquely Jewish things, like eating challah on Shabbat, dressing up for Passover, or celebrating a Bark Mitzvah. It became a bright spot for people in a chaotic world. From there, Mazel Pups grew into an Instagram account, a website, and even a podcast. The podcast, in particular, has brought me so much joy.
Abbe: My entire career has been working as a sales professional in the printing industry. PrintArtKids evolved somewhat organically when my sons, now in their 20s, were in elementary school. They created so much art and I didn’t know what to do with it all! My printing background inspired the idea to create items like notecards and notepads with their artwork. Working with several designers and printers in my network, I developed samples and perfected the various templates, and soon after launched the PrintArtKids website (https://printartkids.com/), so that parents could order items with their own children’s art. What started with a few basic items has grown to include notebooks, journals, postcards, holiday cards, puzzles, and now the Pawsitively Jewish 2025 Calendar!
- What inspired you to collaborate on such a meaningful project? What led you to create a calendar?
Rabbi Robyn: It was all Abbe’s idea. Once we agreed to work together, she suggested a calendar. I thought it was brilliant—fun, educational, and uplifting. I loved that it could showcase adorable dogs, highlight dog-related holidays, and teach about Jewish and Israeli holidays. We even included a section that explains these holidays in detail. I’ll admit, I didn’t realize how much work it would be, but it’s been so rewarding!
Abbe: I wanted to create something useful that Jewish people of all ages could enjoy throughout the year, something that would make them smile by simply seeing others (in this case, dogs) celebrating their Jewishness. It was also important that there be a fundraising element so we could support a Jewish or Israeli organization. A calendar is an item that people buy year after year, so from a business perspective, a calendar made sense.
- You donate a portion of your profits to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Can you tell us a bit about IGDC? How did you learn about and connect with them?
Rabbi Robyn: I’ve known about the Israel Guide Dog Center (IGDC for years); my husband was friendly with its Co-Founder, Norman Leventhal. On a trip to Israel in 2022, we toured the center with Noach Braun, the Co-Founder and CEO, who began training dogs while serving as a paratrooper in the IDF. The visit was amazing in so many ways, but the most powerful part was speaking with a blind woman whose life was transformed by her guide dog. More recently, Norman’s son Michael, a longtime leader in the IGDC community, appeared on my podcast and shared incredible stories about the guide, service, and emotional support dogs they train.
We asked the parents of the dogs featured in the calendar to suggest which organizations to support and then they all voted on their top two. I was thrilled when the IGDC was the top choice.
- What does it mean to you to create something meant to uplift those affected by the tragedies of October 7?
Rabbi Robyn: Like so many Diaspora Jews, I felt helpless after October 7. I spoke about it with my congregants, attended rallies, posted pictures of dogs with Israeli flags and yellow ribbons on Mazel Pups, and made donations. But I wanted to do more.
This calendar is a small thing, but if it can bring attention to the tragedy, help people feel proud to be Jewish, and even give someone a reason to smile during a difficult time—then I think it’s worthwhile.
Abbe: Like Robyn, I wanted to do something to make a difference, to help, but didn’t know where to start. I was participating in the weekly Run4TheirLives walks to bring awareness of the hostages, but wanted to do more. I took what I know best, printing, and with Robyn, created this wonderful, thoughtful, uplifting calendar. So much love and passion went into this project. The feedback has been truly wonderful! It makes me happy and proud that the calendar has been so well received and it feels good that it has provided the means for us to donate to such an important organization as IGDC.
- How did you recruit your canine models?
Rabbi Robyn: Mazel Pups has an abundance of gorgeous photos of dogs celebrating Jewish holidays and traditions. The real challenge wasn’t finding pictures, but narrowing them down!
Abbe handled the logistics—ensuring the photos were high quality and deciding which ones would resonate most with people. Once she selected the pictures, we contacted the dogs’ parents for permission. Not a single person said no!
- Are there plans in the works for a Pawsitively Jewish 2026 Calendar?
Rabbi Robyn: We’re hoping to make it happen!
- Where can folks find out more about your work?
Rabbi Robyn: Follow Mazel Pups on Instagram (@mazelpups) or our Facebook page, and join the Facebook group. You can also check out the Mazel Pups Podcast on YouTube or any podcast platform. Visit our website, mazelpups.com, to sign up for our newsletter and stay updated on future projects. Feel free to email me at mazelpups@gmail.com, too.
Abbe: Visit the PrintArtKids website (https://printartkids.com/) and follow @printartkids on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube). You can also sign up for our newsletter at PrintArtKids : Sign Up to Stay in Touch. Email contact: abbe@printartkids.com.
- Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?
Rabbi Robyn: Follow your passions! My life was already very full and very busy—I work full-time for a Jewish nonprofit, serve a small synagogue, and have three kids, a granddaughter, and two rescue dogs. Mazel Pups is a fun side project, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.
If I hadn’t moved forward with Mazel Pups, among many other blessings and wonderful people I’ve gotten to know, I wouldn’t have met Abbe or created this calendar, which has been such a joyful and meaningful experience. So, if you’re passionate about something, go for it—you never know where it might lead!
Abbe: I agree with everything Robyn said above! Our lives are all so very full and busy, but when you have an idea or are passionate about something and are determined to make it happen, you somehow find the time. Don’t give up! The rewards and experiences are more than worth the effort!
CALLOUT BOX:
]If you or someone you know could use some Jewish Pawsitivity, buy yourself a copy (or two) of The Pawsitively Jewish 2025 Calendar and spread some Jewish love! Bulk purchases are also available for retail and fundraising opportunities. Go to https://printartkids.com/calendars/ to order or to learn more!
