Meeting Rebbe Virtually
Question
According to this answer Jews can make up their obligation to visit their rebbe on Yom tov found in Masechet Rosh Hashanah by visiting during Chol Hamoed of the holiday if they missed the opportunity during the first day of Yom Tov. However, is it permitted by Halacha to fullfill this mitzvah through zoom or telephone?
Answers
The simple understanding of the obligation is that a person needs to physically go to his Rebbe. Chazal relate many stories about the efforts that some students made to get to their Rebbes on Yom Tov. However, I do feel that if the Rebbe or the student is not able to be present then “visiting” via Zoom or telephonically is a wonderful idea.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team