72 Jason Rosenberg

be.” One could argue, however, that the presence of

others is often a deterrent to kavanah. We all have our share of kibitzers in synagogue, and these talkers are often a distraction not only to those to whom they speak, but also to those within earshot. By viewing a service over the web, a person could have a focus for his or her kavanah, without the associated distractions.

Of course, those making this argument would also have to account for the myriad distractions available to someone at their computer. its not clear if a person trying to talk while your are trying to pray is more or less distracting than the‘temptation to web surf during services!

There are obviously those who question the value of

participation in services via the web. But, some go further and who actively oppose any attempt to livestream services, sometimes going so far as to consider it dangerous to do so.

The dominant reason for considering livestreamed services as“dangerous” seems to be the fear that this will be an “casy way out” for people. Those who might otherwise attend services will choose instead to participate/observe on their computer screens.” With nearly all of us having such busy schedules, so little free time, and so little energy to spare, even if we don't believe that Web services are“as good,” might nevertheless prefer them,? Therefore our attempt to reach the unavailable, and the otherwise marginalized, we might be inadvertently contributing to marginalization and alienation of our own members.