CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
134. Video Taping in the
Synagogue*
QUESTION: Is there any objection to video-taping a
Bar/Bat Mitzvah at a service or a wedding ceremony?ANSWER: The
custom of video-taping family celebrations in the synagogue has grown during the recent years.
We would generally discourage it as it is often intrusive. This does, however, provide a
permanent family record of notable occasions in an individual’s life. Furthermore, this often
enables individuals who are too old or frail to witness the ceremony to do so at home or in the
hospital. This method is less intrusive than the earlier use of photography. We have
always considered it important to maintain the decorum of the synagogue service, both public
services and private occasions like weddings. Nothing may distract the worshipper from worship
(Meg. 28a; Yad. Hil. Tefilah 6; Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim 151.10; Abraham Meir
Israel Vayaan Abraham, 7; I. Elbogen, Der jüdische Gottesdienst, pp. 397 ff;
W. Gunther Plaut, The Rise of Reform Judaism, pp. 152 ff). It is essential to keep the
video-taping as a recording of what has occurred and not “stage” the service for the taping. The
latter is not acceptable to us. If the video-taping can be done unobtrusively and be invisible to
the majority of the congregation, it is permissible.November 1986
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.