CARR 197

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.