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A Guide to Using Zoom

Many of our programs and services have moved to VirtuShul, our virtual shul—a living, connected, loving, virtual community. VirtuShul is powered by Zoom video conferencing software, making our community accessible from every home with an internet connection. We have been moved by how Zoom has allowed so many to gather together for morning and evening minyan, for meetings, programs, and private appointments.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the proximity of community over Zoom, we encourage you to participate in the coming days. We understand the transition to a virtual experience can be challenging for some members. Please follow these steps to set up Zoom for free on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you need technical assistance, please contact Beth Tarson.

Setting Up Zoom On a Computer

You will need to download the Zoom Client for Meetings before you are able to participate in a Zoom class, event, or service. Zoom is free and available on Mac and PC. To download Zoom, please click here.

A unique Zoom link will be provided for each program, service, meeting, and appointment.

  • Click on the link from the email or calendar invite sent to you by the host, and Zoom should open in your browser.
  • If Zoom does not open, try copying and pasting the link into your browser, and it should open up the meeting.
  • If issues persist, select your browser from the list below and follow the steps.

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Go to join.zoom.us.
  3. Enter your meeting ID provided by the host/organizer.
  4. Click Join.
    • If this is your first time joining from Google Chrome, you will be asked to open the Zoom client to join the meeting.
    • You can check Always open these types of links in the associated app to skip this step in the future.
    • Click Open Zoom Meetings (PC) or Open zoom.us (Mac).

Safari

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Go to join.zoom.us.
  3. Enter your meeting ID provided by the host/organizer.
  4. Click Join.

When asked if you want to open zoom.us, click Allow.

Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer

  1. Open Edge or Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to join.zoom.us.
  3. Enter your meeting ID provided by the host/organizer.
  4. Click Join.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Go to join.zoom.us.
  3. Enter your meeting ID provided by the host/organizer.
  4. Click Join.
    • If this is your first time joining from Firefox, you may be asked to open Zoom or the Zoom installer package.
    • To skip this step in the future, check Remember my choice for Zoom meeting links.
    • Click Open Link.

Zoom on a Smartphone or Tablet

iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Zoom mobile app. If you have not downloaded the Zoom mobile app yet, you can download it from the App Store.
  2. Join a meeting using one of these methods:
    • Tap Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in.
    • Sign in to Zoom, then tap Join.
  3. Enter the meeting ID number and your display name.
    • If you’re signed in, change your name if you don’t want your default name to appear.
    • If you’re not signed in, enter a display name.
  4. Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and select Join.

Android

  1. Open the Zoom mobile app. If you have not downloaded the Zoom mobile app yet, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Join a meeting using one of these methods:
    • Tap Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in.
    • Sign in to Zoom, then tap Join.
  3. Enter the meeting ID number and your display name.
    • If you’re signed in, change your name if you don’t want your default name to appear.
    • If you’re not signed in, enter a display name.
  4. Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and tap Join Meeting.

Tips and Tricks

  • You need a web camera and microphone to participate from your computer. If you do not have a web camera, you will still be able to view and participate in the meeting, but other participants will not be able to see you.

Use your mouse to hover on the bottom of the browser of the zoom call. You will see these options:

  • Microphone – mute/unmute (muting is helpful to minimize background noise in the space, arrow up helps to navigate if you’re having any sound problems)
  • Video – start/stop video
  • Invite+ – send a link to the call to someone
  • Participants – see who is in the call
  • Share screen – unless you are asked, please let the host/co-hosts use the share screen option
  • Chat – send messages to everyone or to one person in particular
  • Record – can record the presentation
  • Reactions – thumbs up/clapping

Hover your mouse on the top right corner:

  • Speaker view – whoever is speaking is the largest video
  • Gallery view (3×3 box grid) – see everyone at once

Resources to guide you in prayer with our virtual services can be found here. Shabbat services will continue to be streamed here via our livestream. Family Shabbat Morning Services will be offered at the Family Life & Learning Facebook page.

Do you need support during this challenging time? Are you able to do a mitzvah? Please let us know by filling out this form. The BJ community is here for you!

The safety of our community is our highest priority. With new information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its presence in New York City and within the NYC Jewish community emerging by the hour, you will find all of our latest updates here including health and safety protocols and potential changes to programs and services.