Q. Should someone who has to travel for business during Elul and will on some days be unable to daven with a minyan, see and hear the shofar blowing in the morning via zoom?
A. On a similar question (3872) we were asked: “As I have told the Rov, I zoom almost daily a good friend who is in hospital talk to him and often learn Torah with him. Is there a point to blow the Shofar of Elul to make him feel better?”
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is correct if it makes him feel better and it is part of the most important mitzva of Bikur Cholim. The Rov added that you should make clear to him that this zooming method cannot be used on Rosh Hashana itself, even when offered by some Jewish services at that hospital.
See question 3105 and 2325 regarding someone in a similar situation taking part of a family Pesach Seder on second day Yom Tov using a zoom monitor left on before Yom Tov.”
In our case, although one cannot comply even with the minhag of blowing shofar during Elul by zooming. Moreover, if one heard it on that way if he has an opportunity during the day to hear it properly should do so. (See question 353 regarding blowing shofar by Mincha.
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We may recommend to obtain a shofar and to blow at least a Tekiah voice, which may no be that difficult to do.
Important Numbers
