There are many different video conferencing platforms that you can use to host a shiva online. The most important requirement to keep in mind when setting up your RemoteShiva video link is that the link you create can be used multiple times (as opposed to only working once during a specific meeting time period).
We recommend using Google Meet, because it is completely free for all users with no time limits, and because the video links that it creates are “reusable” for multiple meetings by default. Attendees can join a Google Meet shiva on their computer browser without installing any special software or they can download the free Google Meet app on their phone.
To create a reusable Google Meet link, make sure you are logged into the Google account that will be used by the shiva facilitator. Open up your Google Calendar and create a new calendar event. Enter any information you like into the event information fields. Click the “Add Google Meet video conferencing” button. That will generate a unique link for this shiva that can be used for every shiva meeting. This is the link you will paste into the “video link” field when you are setting up your RemoteShiva. Please note: the facilitator of the shiva call will need to be signed into this Google account in order to “admit” shiva guests into the shiva room.
If you choose to use Zoom instead, make sure that you either create a recurring Zoom meeting link or choose to host the shiva in the account holder’s “Personal Meeting Room.” You should also ensure that you are using a paid Zoom account so that your shiva calls do not disconnect when the 40-minute time limit (for free Zoom accounts) is reached.
Other platforms that you might consider using are Facebook Messenger Rooms and join.me.
For detailed support on using these services, please refer to the help pages on their websites.