Watching the annual Jewish Memorial service called Yizkor via live stream on my computer with a photo of my parents and sister along with a lit candle. |
Happy 5774
Times are changing, what was once the norm is now old fashioned. The Internet has brought huge changes with social media and live streaming. People around the world can all be part of a religious service live and comment at the same time.
This past Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) I had dinner with my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and many of her friends via Skype video conference. This is much cheaper and less stressful than a 5,000 mile airplane ride on 3 different jets with little kids kicking your seat.
This past Yom Kippur (09-14-13) I was not feeling up to being around people and going to traditional Jewish services. First of, your not suppose to drive on this holy of holy days yet most Jews do. I stayed home and watched a beautiful Yom kipper service and a touching memorial service called "Yizkor" where you remember all your departed loved ones. This is always emotional if done proper and Our Jewish community, Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio did an A-Plus job. www.ourjewsihcommunity.org and on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/OurJewishCommunity?fref=ts
Part of the ritual of this wonderful service is flashing photos of the congregation's diseased loved ones on the screen. They ask for you to send in photos a month or so in advance. I forget to send in photos this year so I just aligned photos of my parents and sister along side my computer screen along with a memorial candle as seen in the photo above. The images of every ones departed loved ones was touching, as a Jew or people that love Jews we are all united as one.
Our Jewish community is part of Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio, Just the name of the city alone makes me want to be part of this world congregation. There are two leaders who share the responsibility of providing weekly services and Jewish holiday services via live stream on the Internet. They are Rabbi Laura A. Baum and Rabbi Robert B. Barr Biographies can be viewed at;
http://ourjewishcommunity.org/about-us/rabbis-bios/#sthash.f63AmEig.dpuf
I realize it's important to get out and socialize however having the internet at your finger tips and being able to watch and be part of live services in your pajamas and feel welcomed is a true sign of the times.
5774 is going to be a great year, Happy new year to all! L'chayim (To Life)
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...