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Shul-Casting; Sage-Casting Shul-CastingSince its inception Congregation Shirat Hayam has set out to redefine the synagogue, Judaism and the Jewish community of the twenty-first century. Once again we have taken steps to fulfill our mission of becoming the first Conservative synagogue, and one of only a handful of synagogues in general, in the world to “webcast” our Shabbat services. Webcasting is the process of distributing a media file (video feed) over the Internet using streaming media technology. A webcast may either be distributed live or recorded, and watched at a later date. Essentially, webcasting is “broadcasting,” like television, over the Internet. CSH, taking its lead from www.cyberjudaism.org, calling this webcast “shulcasting” as it is about taking our shul, or congregation, out into the cyber world. Now, by simply turning on a computer, an individual can click on to our website and watch live, or recorded, Shabbat services at CSH. Here they will find a traditional Conservative Shabbat service encompassing (the Preliminary Service, Shacharit, Torah Service and Mussaf) my Sermon and CSH’s one-of-a-kind “Ruach Rally” – a gathering of hundreds of people, of all ages and backgrounds, singing and dancing, and delighting in the joys of Shabbat and a vibrant Jewish community. Soon, however, CSH will not only shulcast our main service, but also many of our alternative offerings: Renewal Minyan – chanting, meditation and song; Yoga Service – experiencing Jewish prayer through body movement; Nosh & Drash – Torah study with a local rabbi. In addition we will make available weekday morning and evening services, holiday programs and classes and lectures as well. Sage-Casting Sage-Casting is the next step in our mission and the true fulfillment of our core mission – to connect Jews wherever they are, both in the world and along the path of their Jewish journey, as well as to be an ohr l’goyim – a light unto nations. Too often those who want and need Judaism and Jewish community the most have the least access to it. In particular, one of our largest segments in Jewish life, our seniors, are often cut off from physically travelling to the synagogue as they become less mobile, move to retirement communities or reside in nursing homes. At a time when they want and need Judaism and Jewish life it is our opportunity, even obligation, to deliver, and that is what Sage-Casting will do. Sage-Casting’s first step will be to properly outfit CSH’s facility with the necessary technology, as well as developing the appropriate on-line web presence to broadcast Sage-Casting. The second step will be to partner with local, regional and potentially national Jewish Senior facilities and services (nursing homes, retirement communities and the like) ensuring the appropriate technologies and displays for Sage-Casting. Finally, the third step will be to work with these organizations, as well as any home health care organization amenable to go into individual seniors’ homes and set them up for Sage-Casting from the confines of their homes. This final step, in particular, but all of them in general, will also depend upon outside funding either through private individual funding, business advertising, corporate sponsorships, Jewish foundational grants or government grants. The sky is the limit on these projects and it is a mitzvah and an opportunity which we, once again, will take the lead on, as we continue to redefine and reenergize Judaism and Jewish community, as CSH is now known for and expected to do. Your feedback, support and participation is wanted and welcome in these and every project. Please contact me for further conversations. Chodesh Tov, Rabbi B
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