Shule on line
Melbourne’s progressive synagogue Temple Beth Israel (TBI) has commenced streaming Shabbat services live from its website, tbi.org.au through TBI TV. The intention is to stream Shabbat, High Holiday Day, festival services and concerts.
Rabbi Lazarow
The streaming of services fits with the synagogue’s philosophy of respecting Jewish history and heritage, while engaging with the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.
Rabbi Gersh Lazarow said it was an elderly grandmother‘s disappointment at being unable to attend her grandson’s bar mitzvah that made him determined to embark on this project.
“I realised that technology could facilitate one of our core functions to provide relevant and accessible pathways for Jewish engagement.
“While it is uncommon for synagogues to film services, I believe the benefit of enabling members and others to find meaning and engage with Judaism outweighs any initial discomfort people may have with the use of the technology” said Lazarow.
“Last Friday night service had 61 views from 13 different countries. We had no idea what the uptake would be. This is a lovely example of what is possible with the technology” said Lazarow.
