Masorti rabbis are investigating the possibility of electronically streaming services for Shabbat and Yomtov.
While the movement permitted members to stream their Pesach Seder during lockdown – as long as the technology was switched on before the festival – it has not supported digital services other than on weekdays.
But now its rabbis are considering whether to follow the Conservative movement in the USA, which last month approved the streaming of services.
In a statement, Masorti rabbis said while the movement had always taken “close account” of the American Conservatives’ decisions, “it has never been bound by them and, like the Israeli Masorti rabbinate, constitutes an independent unit with its own Bet Din.”
They added, “Important issues are involved which need to be given thoughtful consideration. All members of the team are deeply committed to the observance of Shabbat and Yomtov according to halachah, as well as to caring for their congregations, communally, emotionally and spiritually. They expect to have a full response by late June.”
In May, the American Conservative Committee on Jewish Law and Standards voted by 19 votes to three to allow streamed services provided that technology was not switched on or off during Shabbat or festivals.
The committee published papers both for and against the practice.
In the pro-steaming responsum, Rabbi Joshua Heller said "the equipment must be set up to be running before the holy day, or operate on a timer".
While Masorti follows rabbinic law, it is more flexible in its application than Orthodox communities.
For example, it has permitted Kaddish to be said in digital prayer meetings – in contrast to the United Synagogue.
Meanwhile, the movement is considering options for the High Holy Days. “This will include personal contact wherever possible, the dissemination of written study and reflective materials, the provision of whatever in-person services can be prudently provided and allowed by September, along with online study, discussions and prayers,” the rabbis said.
