This Erev Rosh HaShanah I wasn't at Shul but I was at Shul. At least it felt like I was.

I'm not the greatest shul go-er but when I found out that Alyth would be doing a live stream of their service over the Internet I just knew that was for me.

The idea of joining a service over the Internet may not appeal to everyone but as someone who spends their life online it was perfect for me.

Watching live events over the internet is not new to me but this would be the first time that I have actually participated with an online event.

After an early dinner with my family I retired to the study, switched on the computer, opened my machzor and logged on.

For a little over an hour I was able to participate in a beautiful Yom Tov service. Sure it did seem odd at times standing in from of the computer and reciting Aleinu but for the most of the time I forgot that I was alone in front of a computer.

This wasn't a high production BBC quality broadcast and at times the sound wasn't perfect but it didn't matter. But perhaps it was better for it. A service isn't a performance it is an opportunity to participate in a congregation with all its quirks and foibles.

At one point the choir outperformed the sound system and I chuckled to myself thinking of the times at shul when I have been next to the enthusiastic congregant with the flat voice. If a head bobbed into view this was no difference to shul when you feel like David sitting behind Goliath.

It was all the more real for this and together with the Internet minyan I was able to experience the joy of the service and to take a full and active role.