July 15, 2004

OU’s Live Kinot Webcast Helps Inspire those Who Must Work or Care for Children on Tisha B’Av

Providing those who cannot be in the synagogue during all of Tisha b’Av morning with an opportunity to join in the Kinot, the elegies of the day, a live webcast of OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb’s presentation will be available through the Orthodox Union’s website, www.ou.org.

Unlike many Jewish holidays on which regular work is forbidden, Tisha b’Av, despite its significance and weighty themes, is a normal day in the workweek for most people. Many such individuals, who must be in their places of work or who are parents who must stay home to mind their children, are denied the opportunity to go to their synagogues, read the Kinot, and contemplate the tragedies that occurred throughout Jewish history on this day. “The Orthodox Union views this as the ideal situation in which to make use of modern technology,” said OU Communications Director David Olivestone. “Through the internet, we are able to bring the essence of Tisha b’Av to all Jews, whether in their homes or their offices, anywhere in the world.”

The live webcast of Rabbi Weinreb’s commentary on the Kinot, the mournful liturgy that traces the destruction of both Batei Mikdash (holy temples) and other disasters associated with the Ninth of Av, will be carried on the OU’s website, www.ou.org from 8:50 am until 1:15 pm (EST).

According to Mr. Olivestone, last year’s webcast was watched by thousands of people and brought an overwhelmingly positive response, prompting the OU to seek an even larger audience this time. “You have utilized modern technology in a way that is mezakeh harabim (brings merit to the community),” wrote one of last year’s viewers in an e-mail regarding Rabbi Weinreb’s presentation. “You have helped infuse this holy day with true neshama (soul), even for those of us who must spend much of our day in the office.”

“What a tremendous service to the Jewish community,” wrote another of last year’s gratified participants. “Rabbi Weinreb was masterful and inspiring. I stayed on-line the entire time and have never felt so enriched by a Tisha B’Av before. The live Kinot webcast was very inspiring and has made my fasting a more meaningful experience.”

The theme of this year’s presentation will be The Beginning of the End of Our Suffering. For his material, Rabbi Weinreb will draw from a wide range of sources -- ancient to modern, halachic and aggadic, religious and secular. Many of the relevant texts are posted on the website to enable those participating to be fully involved. Last year, his insights into the elegies not only educated but also deeply moved his worldwide audience. “I just finished watching Rabbi Weinreb saying Kinot on the web,” wrote another viewer. “I want to tell you that it was the most meaningful Kinot that I ever experienced. Rabbi Weinreb’s explanation before each Kinah was superb.”

The live webcast will originate from the Young Israel of Woodmere in Long Island, NY, beginning at 8:50 a.m. on Tisha B’Av morning, Tuesday, July 27, and lasting until 1:15pm. The service is open to all, not only to regular congregants of the synagogue. For driving directions please call the YIW at 516-295-0950.

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The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, is a world leader in community and synagogue services, adult education, youth work through NCSY, political action through the IPA, and advocacy for persons with disabilities through Yachad and Our Way. Its kosher supervision label, the , is the world’s most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on over 275,000 products manufactured in 68 countries around the globe.

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