The best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, is by social distancing — staying home, and only going out to essential places like grocery stores and pharmacies. As non-essential places are closing down, that includes community spaces like JCCs and synagogues.
Most — if not all — synagogues are turning to virtual meetings to host Shabbat services, celebrate bar and bat mitzvahs, and gather community in these turbulent times.
This can also be the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s been curious about attending services but afraid to take the plunge. It’s a lot less intimidating to click on a link than to walk into a strange building where you don’t know anyone — and nobody will hear you if you decide to sneak out. So whether you’re looking for something to replace your weekly rituals, or you want to try something new, we’ve rounded up all the Jewish streaming resources we could find. Please double check with the sources for the most up-to-date details.
Shabbat services
Watch Kabbalat Shabbat services live at 6 p.m. EST from Central Synagogue at My Jewish Learning.
Here are some other synagogues that are streaming Kabbalat Shabbat:
- Romemu (New York, NY)
- Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (Elkins Park, PA)
- Temple Emanuel (Beverly Hills, CA)
- B’nai Jeshurun (New York, NY)
- The Temple (Atlanta, GA)
- East End Temple (New York, NY)
- Temple Aliyah (Woodland Hills, CA)
- Central Synagogue (New York, NY)
- Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (Short Hills, NJ)
- Congregation Solel (Highland Park, IL)
- Temple Ner Tamid (Bloomfield, NJ)
- Temple Israel (Memphis, TN)
- Congregation Shaarai Shomayim (Lancaster, PA)
- Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (New York, NY)
- Temple Chai (Phoenix, AZ)
- Mishkan Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Congregation Beth Israel (Austin, TX)
- Temple Sinai (Denver, CO)
- Congregation Kol Ami (Utah)
- Temple Sinai (Reno, NV)
- Kol Tzedek (Philadelphia, PA)
Here’s an even longer list of Reform synagogues that stream synagogue services online in time zones across America. And a spreadsheet of synagogues that stream, across all denominations.
Daily Minyan
My Jewish Learning’s Virtual Minyan Project: My Jewish Learning is offering a way for those saying the Mourner’s Kaddish (which traditionally needs to be said with a minyan) and others to congregate online. “We’ll start with a few minutes of Torah teaching and then give mourners an opportunity to say Mourner’s Kaddish.” Sign up here to participate.
Jewish Study
Around the world, thousands of Jews read the entire Talmud one page at a time, on a set schedule called Daf Yomi (literally “a page a day.”) Sign up to get A Daily Dose of Talmud: Daf Yomi for Everyone in your e-mail from My Jewish Learning.
Harvard online learning: Judaism Through Its Scriptures
Stephen Wise Temple is offering study through Facebook Live and Zoom
Virtual meet-ups
Hillel is hosting meetups for Jewish students: Hillel@Home online gatherings.
For Jewish Teens, BBYO launched BBYO on Demand.
Join Alma’s facebook group, Alma pals, where we’re always virtually meeting up. Join us!!
Helpline
For UK Jews, the United Synagogue has launched a dedicated helpline for all those seeking practical, spiritual, or emotional assistance during this challenging time. Call them at 020 8343 5696 or email helpline@theus.org.uk.
Stay on Top of the News
We will be periodically updating this list.
Header Image by Marc Romanelli/Getty Images.
