According to the Jewish sources we read, it is permissible to "skype into" a service to join in with a minyan to pray or say Kaddish along with them.
However, it is not permissible to actually form a minyan in cyberspace from different computers; rather, there has to be an actual physical minyan already praying in one place, and if there is, then you can join in with them on Skype (or Facetime, etc).
Why do you think Judaism places such an emphasis on praying together with a group?
One purpose of saying the Mourner's Kaddish aloud in a group is for a mourner to receive support from the community. Do you think it's possible to get comfort from other people if you're just skyping in, and you're not actually there in person with the other people in the minyan?
I think it places such an emphasis on praying in a group because the Jewish community is very close, and there are only a few of us. It is better for Jews to get together and see each other as often as possible.
ReplyDeleteI prefer praying in a group because I feel really good when I'm with my friends, doing something good. When I pray alone, I feel like I'm the only person who is doing it.
I think that if you're skyping in, it's harder to pray in unison or share feelings, but I think that you could still get the message through and recieve comfort.
1a. Because we as Jews are supposed to be united no matter what.
ReplyDelete1b. I prefer praying alone because then I can pray for anything without a real time limit.
2. Of course it's more comforting because then people can comfort you by email even if they can't be there.
I think Judasim places an emphisis on praying as a group because praying as a group encourages unity between fellow Jews. However, I prefer praying alone because it is less distracting.
ReplyDeleteI think you can still receive support by Skyping but it is probably more comforting to actually be there.
1a) so more people believe in g-d. And saying thanks to g-d
ReplyDelete1b)I prefer to pray in a group. Because i like to be with my friends.
2a) Yes because you are still with the person. and if you see them it is fine.!
I think people should pray in person together unless someone cant make it with the rest of the group they should skype each other so that person would not feel left out.
ReplyDeletei think you can't get comfort from someone skyping you because they're not accually there, they are just on the screen so they cant give you a hug when you're really sad.
ReplyDeleteלא משנה לי כל כך אבל אולי עדיף להתפלל ביחד כי אז לומדים יותר על המנגינות השונות.
אני מעדיפה להתפלל בקבוצה בגלל שיותר כיף להתפלל ביחד, ואפשר לשמוע מנגינות אחרות ודרכים אחרות לשיר.
ReplyDeleteBecause just like with a minyan Jews should pray together so God hears them louder, and it will probably sound better in a group.
ReplyDeleteIt should be allowed because people can't always get together.
DeleteWe are still looking at each other while praying.
1.So you're not by yourself and u feel good. In a group I feel good.
Delete2.no - you have to be with the person for comfort.
I think that Judaism emphasizes praying as a group because it gives us a sense of community. Praying as a group is more spirited and more alive than praying alone. I personally prefer praying as a group because I like to be with my friends. It's more fun to pray with friends than to pray alone. It makes me feel included. You can definately get more support by physically being with everybody and getting the sense of community, but you can still get support via Skype.
ReplyDeleteI think that we shouldn't be able to pray with others via skype because it is not the same as praying in a group surrounded by the rest of the minyan. I think that people should be able to join each other in reciting mourners kaddish online though.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of praying in a group AND praying individually. Praying individually lets people add in their own silent prayers, but praying in a group gives people comfort. Also, I think it depends on the communtiy if they want to use skype or not. Certainly a reform community would and should use skype as a way to let others be a part of the service. A conservative community may or may not want to use skype for their prayers. A person should physically be in the service and not skype in.
ReplyDeleteIt is ok because what if you're handicapped and are never able to go. Will they not let you join even if you want to? THAT'S NOT FAIR. No matter what the circumstances, you should let ANY Jew join ANY service so that they can pray their prayers, too.
ReplyDeleteI think joining a minyan through skype (or another video chatting service) is a very controversial topic. In my oppinion, doing this will allow us to adapt to this era's modern technology, but not assimilate. Even if you are not there, using a video chatting service works for some people. Even if the person is not physically present it seems like he/she is there mentally. Everyone likes to pray in a different way. So, we can't judge them, but we can let them pray how they would like too.
ReplyDeleteאני חושב שהצטרפות למניין דרך סקייפ (או אחר שירות וידאו צ'אט) היא נושא מאוד שנוי במחלוקת.בoppinion שלי, עושה את זה יאפשר לנו להסתגל לטכנולוגיה המודרנית בתקופה זו, אך לא להתבולל. גם אם אתה לא שם, באמצעות וידאו צ'אט עבודות שירות לאנשים מסוימים. גם אם האדם אינו נוכח פיזית זה נראה כאילו הוא / היא נמצאת שם מבחינה נפשית. מי שלא אוהב להתפלל בדרך אחרת. לכן, אנחנו לא יכולים לשפוט אותם, אבל אנחנו יכולים לתת להם להתפלל כיצד היו רוצים גם.
I think that a minyan can not be formed with a person on skype, because you are not actually there. Also I think that it is diiferent if you are praying from a different building than praying with people that can give you support.
ReplyDeleteI think that ideally a minyan can not be formed with a person who is not present physicaly. But I think you will get the same feeling from people if you are skyping in.
DeleteI think it should be fine to have the service with him skyping in, given that there is no possible way to have the service without him. If there is not choice or option, then might as well.
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