Worship in the Cloud 59

webcams, computers, and Internet connections will be as reliable. Synagogues who wish to use them on Shabbat had best be prepared, and willing, to fix them on Shabbat , as well.

Protecting the Sacred Nature of the Service

When in 1986, the Responsa Committee answered the question about videotaping services,’ Rabbi Jacob answered in the affirmative, but took the opportunity to mention the importance of maintaining decorum and the sacred character of the service. Videotaping which was obtrusive to worshipers, or had an impact on the behavior of those present, was not acceptable and, indeed, not permissible. Those caveats seem to apply to livestreaming, possibly even to a greater degree.

The important question seems to be, does livestreaming change the service for those present? One could argue that there is no difference between videotaping, to which most worshipers are by now quite accustomed, and livestreaming. Indeed, one could argue that livestreaming is less obtrusive, since the cameras can often be permanently fixed out of the way, and be all invisible to the worshipers, while video cameras are most often placed on tripods in the back of the sanctuary. If video cameras are allowed, al achat cama chama webcams!

On the other hand, it's possible that the knowledge that this service is viewable across the world could be relevant, and. distracting, to those who are participating. Will people feel less comfortable knowing that anyone could be watching? That discomfort may surely have a negative impact on their worship experience. More likely is the possibility that the presence of cameras, and a potentially