E-High Holy Days

Streaming High Holy Day services

High Holy Days are upon us, and we’re looking through our closets for appropriate outfits to wear to the synagogue. But what if we could attend in our pajamas? Moreover, what if we could participate while our hair was in rollers? No, we wouldn’t be disrespectful – we’d be live streaming. Say what?

Live streaming is a way to take part in services over the Internet. For the past 10 years or so, many synagogues have been offering this option to those who cannot attend in person. People are grateful for being able to observe in spite of sickness, infirmity, distance and familial obstacles.

Live streaming is proof that a digital revolution is upon us. Offered on various platforms, the option allows the willing to worship along with the congregation, making them feel like they’re a part of the experience. The viewers have various reasons to log on – they might be new parents who cannot leave their young children, college students who are unable to get to a Hillel, ill people in hospitals – the list goes on. As long as you have an internet connection, you can watch services in real time. What’s more, you can even interact with other online visitors by commenting in dialogue boxes, enhancing your experience.

In addition, some former members who like reconnecting with their old congregation appreciate the opportunity to do so via live streaming. The option also attracts a younger crowd, engaging a demographic that’s not as enthusiastic about going to a synagogue as their parents or grandparents are. They enjoy the technological aspect of the ancient tradition.

In Rhode Island, Temple Beth-El and Temple Emanu-El offer live transmission of High Holy Day services. Beth-El’s Rabbi Sarah Mack says, “We are thrilled to make our service available both with call-in service and live streaming in an effort to share music and prayers with our whole Temple Beth-El family. It is our hope that we can involve those who cannot physically make it to Temple Beth-El in the warm embrace of community through this service.”

Emanu-El’s Rabbi Elan Babchuck concurs, “While we expect to see many members of our broad community during the High Holy Days, we know that there are countless others who are unable to be with us, for myriad reasons. And yet, our tradition teaches us that a community’s prayer is most effective when all of its members pool their voices together, singing as one. So our hope is that those who can’t physically be with us will join us via the live stream, and add to our communal prayers – from wherever they are – during these liminal days of our Jewish year.”

Orthodox congregations don’t participate because they adhere to a more strict interpretation of holiday prohibitions. Other synagogues simply can’t afford the service. Andrew Sholes, president of Temple Torat Yisrael, says, “Temple Torat Yisrael does not offer streaming of any service at this time. We are exploring streaming services online via the Internet but have not made a final decision. The cost of the installation and operation of the streaming needs to be weighed against the demand of the congregants for such a service. If we did streaming, it would be with audio and video.”  

Some options for those who would like to try live streaming:

Temple Beth-El

You may listen to live High Holy Day services at Temple Beth-El. Using a touch tone phone, call 1-800-846-4808. Follow voice instructions and punch in account code 9331-6070. Using a speakerphone will enhance your experience of listening to the service. Through the generosity of a Temple Beth-El member, there will be no charge to listeners. 

http://streamspot.com venue/?id=faa8314b

Temple Emanu-El

https://livestream.com/accounts/4957454

ReformJudaism.org offers an extensive list of where you can stream services across the country: reformjudaism.org/attend-shabbat-services-online

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editor. She lives in Providence.