I thought that Joann Sfar had and ingenious idea to use The Rabbi's Cat as his way of questioning the idea of traditions of faith. Faith in God is a very personal thing that people do not like to have questioned. But having a notoriously curious creature do the questioning; that makes it easier to accept. Sometimes we as humans get so wrapped up in the traditions of our religions that we forget to ask important questions and develop a full understanding of what we believe; and why. Sfar reminds us that even a Rabbi may not have all the answers, but folllowers will still seek his advice. Such as when the Rabbi was caught at the fountain by a Jew who wanted to know about the protocol for drinking milk after meat if he were to dine with someone from a different sect of Judiasm. The Rabbi responded by asking if he knew of anyone, if no, then why would it matter. The Rabbi's Rabbi also exemplified this fact when he could not think of a place in the Bible regarding dogs; but both the Cat and the Rabbi knew of passages. As a follower of any faith it is important to understand that religious leaders, however educated they may be, are still human and by any religious definition, imperfect.
The idea of questioning one's faith is important and necessary for any person learn and grow within their religion. Asking questions leads to a greater understanding and will have an impact on faith. Although the Rabbi's journey of discovery in Paris was a little extreme, it brought to light some of the obsurdities of religous interpretation. (Seriously, 613 commandments is a lot of rules to remember and follow on a daily basis.) In the end, he brings his question of faith back to his followers and as they are waiting for him to say something profound, he just says he truthfully doesn't know why, but we should continue so you are not late for dinner. I think the idea that he does not completely forsake all he believes is a noble one, and that Sfar has encouraged others to do the same.
I loved how Cat was able to question and accept the Rabbi's religious views in the appropriate times. He had compassion and unconditional love for the Rabbi and Zlabaya and supported them even when he did not agree with them.
You make an excellent point about how the Cat is the ideal way to soften the challenges that Sfar wants to make of the religious situations he presents. Children and animals are often used this way in texts because their "innocence" makes them safer questioners. You also make an excellent point that Sfar seems to be promoting tolerance at many levels, not least within family.
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