The Temple in Midtown Atlanta Goes Live
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) September 10, 2013 -- To further the mission of expanding its digital footprint, The Temple launched live streaming during Rosh Hashanah 5774 services. As well, The Temple will be live broadcasting Friday and Saturday Shabbat worship services throughout the year. With broadcast-quality live video, congregational members who are home bound, in the hospital or out-of-town, can now fully participate in an interactive live spiritual experience featuring live video with real-time chat, photo and social media.
The launch of live streaming marks a huge step for The Temple. While broadcasting live content is nothing new in the world of sports or concerts, it is just emerging onto the radar of synagogues. Both clergy and Temple leadership have been strong advocates for this use of technology and they understand that there’s an entire generation of young people who have grown up on a steady diet of new technology. For them, watching a live-streamed worship service is a natural extension of the way they’re comfortable interacting.
“Live streaming is not designed to replace the actual experience of worshiping in the Sanctuary. The live video platform allows us to provide those congregants who are not able, for whatever reason, to be here. Some are out of town; others are in hospitals, assisted living facilities or home bound,” explains The Temple’s Senior Rabbi, Peter S. Berg. “Over Rosh Hashanah, hundreds of people shared the joy of ushering in the New Year that would not have otherwise had the opportunity. One member, who recently had hip surgery, would have missed the High Holy Days for the first time in over 60 years, but prayed in her living room with her own prayer book.”
Early reports from congregants give this new initiative a big thumbs up. Over 900 viewers tuned in to watch live broadcasting of Rosh Hashanah worship services. Billy Bauman, Temple President comments, “We are so excited to be able to bring our Temple worship services to those who cannot attend. The response from those I have personally spoken with is overwhelmingly positive and many comments are from younger members who were unable to be at services because of children too young to leave at home. It is extremely exciting, and although we are not the first to lead this effort, the quality of the broadcasts and the ease of connectivity have made it worth the wait.”
To view upcoming and archived events at The Temple, click here.
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The Temple is located in midtown Atlanta and is one of American Judaism’s most famous religious institutions. Founded in 1867, it is the city’s oldest synagogue. For a century and a half, it has built a tradition of social justice work and a commitment to broadening people’s access to a full Jewish life. The Temple now counts some 1,500 families as members, and hosts a sizable religious school and one of Atlanta’s top-notch early learning centers.
Amy DeFaveri, The Temple, http://www.the-temple.org, 404-873-1731, [email protected]
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