My family has recently moved out of town and could not attend the "bricks and mortar" high holiday services at Beth Adam this year. I had no idea what to expect from the online services, but was blown away by the community that arose through the Facebook chat that accompanied the service. We even found some long lost cousings in Brazil! I was so grateful to have a place to "go" to be with friends during the holidays.
Ourjewishcommunity.org is a multi-purpose site for people who want to be Jewish in their own way, in their own time and place. It is unique and very timely. There are so many pieces to this site, which is ever-growing according to the feedback of what is needed frompeople in all 50 states, and many countries. It feaures blogs, viedo-streaming services, which are then archived for future use of those who visit the website. It had TREMENDOOUS potential!
I love Our Jewish Community.org. They provide wonderful alternatives to those who are unable to come to services every Shabbat or holiday. Some are shut ins others just feel Synagogues aren't like they used to be anymore. I feel OurJewishCommunity.org allows all who attend to choose for themselves what makes Judaism meaningful for them. I personally attend Friday evening services every Friday, if i miss a service, i always watch the archived video that evening or the next morning. I incorperate OurJewishCommunity.org into my Jewish life in real life. My family watches the services online before we bring in Shabbat and have a dinner at home. We have attended the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services as well as the Sukkot services. The services are shorter than we are acustomed to but that doesn't mean they miss the key points. Friday night services are similar to a "traditional" one. They have a sermon or subject to discuss, candlelighting, kiddush, challah and so one. We have considered OurJewishCommunity to be a Synagogue we are members of.
OurJewishCommunity.org offers extraordinary opportunities!--for family & friends scattered far & wide around the country to partake in our unique contemporary Jewish services, especially for those elderly or housebound or in isolated communities. As a member of the Beth Adam choir, it gave me an opportunity to share our wonderful music & original liturgy, & to send my personal "Shana Tova" wishes to loved ones far away. I love the freshness & vitality of our services, our dynamic rabbis, & relevant content that speaks to contemporary issues. Just as videochatting with family 900 miles away brings us so much closer, so does OurJewishCommunity.org--"you are there" by LIVE video streaming! Or you can catch us later by viewing archives at your convenience! We are thrilled to have people all over the world discovering our congregation & joining us here--especially those serving our country overseas in the Armed Services! THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US!
