Dear Susan

Susan Karlinsky Dear Susan,

My wife and I are so appreciative of the year-round effort CBS makes to keep us connected despite the pandemic and other challenges which keep us from attending services and programs in-person. We are very curious about how the Live Stream works! Is there a tech crew operating the cameras and sound system? Are they in the building or are they working remotely, like me?

Sincerely, Wondering and Worshipping from Home Dear Wondering and Worshipping,

You’ve given me a wonderful opportunity to share some details about the enhanced audio and video systems here at CBS. We recently completed an upgrade of our audio and video technology and created a “video booth” in our offices. Check out the picture below and you’ll get a glimpse of our equipment AND our tech crew! What? You don’t see our tech crew? This is not surprising! This system was designed and programmed in alignment with our core mission which includes: “We are committed to meeting the spiritual, educational and social needs of our members through the practice of Conservative Judaism in an all-inclusive manner.” We do not expect members of our staff to work on Shabbat or holidays, which includes operation of the Live Streaming equipment. The sound and video engineers who designed the system programmed the cameras to automatically follow the voice. That’s why you’ll see the Cantor close-up when he is davening. That’s also why you’ll see the full Bimah view when the Rabbi, Cantor and a B’nai Mitzvah honoree are all participating. We program the cameras to turn on and off automatically when the services start and stop. We pre-program the Live Stream for the Kamensky Sanctuary or the Feather Beit Midrash; we can even stream from our parking lot or lobby now with a portable camera. The quality of our Live Stream may be affected by internet traffic, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances. We are NOT a Hollywood-style production studio. No hair and makeup artists! No cameras on cranes! No boom mics! No gaffers, casting directors or Foley artists! Our “tech crew” includes what you would expect at a house of worship: Rabbis, Cantor, Gabbaim, Torah Readers, B’nai Mitzvah honorees and YOU!

We are proud to offer Live Stream access to our worship services and programs all year long (visit our website and click on the Live Stream link or https://www.bethshalomnb.org/pray/live-streaming/). This is both a convenience and an accommodation for those who are not able to join us in-person; it is not a substitute for community worship. We invite you to be a part of Congregation Beth Shalom from wherever you are! We are, at our core, a community of faith.

Sincerely, Susan

Kenny Lyonswright performing in the Melman Sukkah Sukkot@Home September 25, 2021