66 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2024
J
N
I
n the wake of the COVID-19 pan-
demic, the Jewish world, like many
religious communities, witnessed
a dramatic shift in how synagogue
services were conducted. With social
distancing measures and public health
concerns, synagogues across the globe
turned to technology to keep their
congregations connected.
Now, several years later, the impact
of live streaming services, especial-
ly during the High
Holidays of Rosh
Hashanah and Yom
Kippur, continues to
reshape synagogue
attendance patterns. Like
most changes to syn-
agogue life sparked by
technological innovation
in the 21st century, there are both posi-
tives and negatives.
Traditionally, the High Holidays
have been a time when Jewish commu-
nity members, regardless of observance
level throughout the year, attend syna-
gogue to reflect, pray and connect with
others. However, since the onset of
the pandemic, streaming services have
emerged as an alternative to in-person
High Holiday attendance.
What began as a necessity has
become an option that many Jewish
individuals and families now prefer.
This shift is particularly noticeable this
year, as Rosh Hashanah falls on week-
days, providing a convenient way for
people to “attend” services from their
home or office without missing work.
THE TECHNOLOGY BOOM:
ZOOM AND LIVE FEEDS
Synagogues have embraced various
platforms to accommodate their con-
gregants. Zoom has been one of the
most popular options, offering inter-
active elements like chat features and
virtual gatherings. Some synagogues
utilize live feeds through their own
websites or platforms like YouTube or
Facebook, allowing members to watch
services in real time.
These technological tools have made
services more accessible to those who
may have otherwise faced barriers,
such as physical distance or health
issues, from attending in person.
RABBIS AND THE VIRTUAL
EXPERIENCE
Many rabbis and cantors grapple with
the implications of streaming services.
They recognize the benefits, like more
Jews partaking in the High Holiday
experience, especially those who are
geographically distant or unable to
attend in person due to illness or other
personal constraints, like serving as a
caregiver for children or the elderly.
However, clergy and synagogue
executives are also concerned about
the weakening of in-person attendance,
a trend that has extended beyond the
High Holidays to regular Shabbat
services as well. After all, it is difficult
to replicate on a computer monitor
or iPad screen the sense of commu-
nity and shared energy that is created
during prayer services in a sanctuary.
PROS AND CONS: THE
STREAMING DILEMMA
The positive implications of streaming
are clear. Congregants can attend ser-
vices from anywhere, which is especial-
ly convenient for those with busy work
schedules, who are not concerned
about the Jewish legal restrictions on
technology use during the sacred holi-
days. The technology allows elderly or
immunocompromised individuals to
participate safely. Additionally, many
synagogues offer their live streams
for free, whereas in-person tickets
for the High Holidays can be costly.
Membership fees, often required for
High Holiday ticket purchases, can
run into the thousands of dollars. For
families facing financial strain, stream-
ing provides an accessible way to fulfill
their spiritual obligations.
It also allows for more choice in
terms of which congregation’s services
one attends. For example, a college
student who lives far from her family’s
congregation is now able to log in and
feel connected to her home synagogue
during the High Holidays. Also, fam-
ilies who have recently relocated can
still be part of their former congrega-
tion’s services through Zoom or video
streaming. Others enjoy a particular
congregation’s services or wish to be
inspired by a particular rabbi, so the
virtual option is the most ideal way to
overcome the geographical constraints.
Rabbi Shalom Kantor of Congre-
gation B’nai Moshe in West
Bloomfield, where all services are
streamed and available to anyone,
explained, “Streaming has allowed
those members who are homebound
or even out of town to be able to join
our services. Our congre-
gants appreciate that our
daily services continue to
be streamed and [that] has
greatly increased atten-
dance and participation in
a post-COVID world.
”
While there are certainly
pros to virtual attendance
at High Holiday prayer services, the
cons are equally significant. In-person
services create a sense of community
difficult to reproduce through a screen.
The social connections formed and
nurtured during synagogue attendance
are vital for the cohesion of Jewish life.
The isolation of attending virtually can
detract from the communal essence of
Judaism.
There are also Jewish legal factors
that some will consider when it comes
to streaming High Holiday services,
including the question of whether
continued on page 68
Rabbi
Shalom
Kantor
ROSH HASHANAH
JEWS IN THE DIGITAL AGE
“THIS COULD BE ONE TREATMENT FOR
A PULL QUOTE THIS COULD BE ONE
TREATMENT FOR A PULL QUOTE”
— NAME
Rabbi Jason
Miller