by Kara Machowski
Since the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century Orthodox rabbis forbade the use of electricity of any kind during Seder. For Orthodox’s this practice that continued for over two hundred years has been an ongoing tradition for the holiday, so any sort of deter is usually forbade by Orthodox, especially for a rabbi to give permission to do so.
During this time of emergency, Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel, a highly respected arbiter of Jewish law, wrote that it would be possible to use Zoom during these times that people need to connect with family, whom they cannot travel to. Especially so, to protect elderly who usually travel to celebrate with family or friends.
When the idea was presented to a wise a Torah scholar, Jerusalem rabbis mentioned that North African rabbis had permitted use of electricity during Jewish holidays. The thought that perhaps Zoom could be turned on prior the holiday and simply be left on so that the physical use of the electronic wouldn’t occur during the holiday was put forth as well. Instead it would serve as almost a window into families homes so that they could connect.
There is also the admission that since Zoom would be used to celebrate the holiday, whose celebration is an actual commandment of the holiday, it is essential. However, the decision aroused controversy with Chief Rabbi of Safed Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu saying that the rabbis who gave the permission to use Zoom had been “mistaken.”
Either way, Zoom will be used by the Orthodox to celebrate Passover, connecting with family and friends, keeping the holiday alive in the hearts from the Orthodox community.
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