Q. We are having a Zoom bris mila this week. The family and friends will not join us because of the pandemic attendance and travel restrictions, only a minyan will be present. Can just the name of the baby be given by the Zaidy by phone or on line? Can Zoom attendants recite the horachamons of bentching the same way?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that during normal times, he would not recommend to honor important people of the family, who are unable to attend, to give the Baby’s name at the bris mila ceremony, or to recite the horachamons of bentching via Zoom, online or phone. However, in times of crisis, although the Rov still does not endorse it, he understands why for some in need. it could be done. He advises that when the name giver is not present, he should not to say “hayeled haze” or “this child”, at the beginning of the name giving.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a