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