(Jewish Group) Conservative movement allows livestreaming on Shabbat and holidays during pandemic
The Conservative movement issued a ruling allowing congregations to livestream services on Shabbat and holidays during the coronavirus pandemic.
Noting the unprecedented time brought on by the virus, the movements Jewish law authorities voted Wednesday to allow livestreaming with a number of caveats, including that the equipment be set up in advance or that a timer be used to avoid the active use of electricity on Shabbat and holidays, when it is traditionally forbidden.
The Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards adopted the ruling by a vote of 19 in favor, three against, and three abstentions.
The ruling, written by Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation Bnai Torah in Sandy Springs, Georgia, notes that it is applicable to the current situation only and that its conclusions will need to be reassessed as we transition to a new normal.'
The question of livestreaming on Shabbat and holidays had already been under debate within the movement prior to the pandemic.
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