October 4th is the feast day of Saint Francis. He is considered the patron saint of creation. Some Christian traditions offer a special blessing for animals on that day.

Watch our 2013 story on “Saint Francis and the New Pope.” 

Beginning at sundown on October 5th, Jews celebrate Simchat Torah, which marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of the next. Traditionally, Jews observe the occasion by dancing in the streets with Torah scrolls.