When it comes to offering easy ways to pray, how much is too much?
I was reading a great eJewish Philanthropy blog post today that discussed the availability of free High Holiday services for those wishing to participate without spending a lot of their hard-earned money. As someone who was until recently a student, I definitely appreciate the fact that there are places to pray without having to pay for a seat. And, in these economic times, the idea has become more commonplace as synagogues wish to avoid discouraging attendance. Therefore, as I read this post, I was pleased to see such a variety of ways to participate in the High Holidays without putting a huge dent in your wallet. However, I soon stumbled upon the mention of a possibility that startled me: Jewish TV Network actually offers a televised Kol Nidre service!
Source: http://www.fotosearch.com
Needless to say, I’ve never heard of this before, and the idea doesn’t make me happy.
Let’s think about it. The High Holiday season is one of the few (maybe even the only) times a year that almost every Jew attends services. Synagogues only typically half full or scraping by to get a minyan find themselves forced to offer a standing room only section as pews fill to capacity. Picture it. A time of year when such a large group comes together to pray. The sense of community is fantastic! So, imagine my disappointment upon discovering that people may have a way to avoid attending services, thanks to the offering of a televised gathering. Do people really need a reason to stay home? The option certainly makes sense for those physically unable to attend. In fact, I think it’s wonderful that these people still have a way to experience the holidays. But, what about everyone else?
In a society where technology is so prevalent, do we really need it taking over another aspect of our lives? Relying on a TV for services eliminates the communal feeling, the commitment ones makes to G-d by attending services, and the feeling of participation. Therefore, this High Holiday season, I beg you! Go to synagogue. Feel the connection. And, truly ring in the New Year.
-Sarah
#1 by Meredith on September 17, 2009 - 12:34 pm
Unfortunately, you didn’t take into consideration the many people who cannot leave their homes to due medical conditions and those that are in hospitals.
For these people, services like this are the ONLY way they find that “communal feeling” on the high holidays.
#2 by Sarah on September 17, 2009 - 1:29 pm
Meredith, That’s a good point. Thanks for bringing it up. You are absolutely right that a televised service may be the only way for those that are otherwise unable to attend to connect with others during the holidays. I don’t want my post to imply otherwise. In fact, I mentioned that for those unable to attend services, a televised version is a wonderful way of allowing them to still participate in the holidays. I tried to emphasize that these are the only people who should be using such a service, and I certainly hope that they join in the season by tuning in on TV.
#3 by Rabbi Laura Baum on September 17, 2009 - 1:25 pm
To assume that most Jews are in the pews on the High Holidays is a mythic notion. Fewer than 50% of American Jews affiliate – and of those who do, less than 20% participate monthly. There are lots of ways to be Jewish – and technology enables us to reach more people, especially those who have not found connections locally. I think that’s a wonderful thing.
Also, community is increasingly found online. We know that people can have meaningful interactions with each other – and with rabbis – using technology.
We at http://www.OurJewishCommunity.org embrace technology – and we welcome everyone to join us for our videostreamed High Holiday services.
Happy New Year!