Getting Started
Do I need any technical experience to set this up?
Not at all. If you can type a web address into a TV, you can set up Zmanim.TV. The whole process takes about ten minutes.
What do I need before signing up?
Your synagogue name, a rabbi or contact name, an email address, and your ZIP or postal code. That's it.
How long does setup take?
Most synagogues are live within ten minutes. The longest part is usually uploading your logo and photos.
Do I need to install any software?
No installation required for the browser route. If you want the native TV app experience, you install the Android TV or Fire TV app once from the app store.
Hardware & Internet
Does the TV need to stay connected to the internet?
Yes — zmanim, weather, and real-time updates all come from our servers. A steady Wi-Fi or wired connection is required.
What hardware can we use as the display?
Any smart TV, PC, Raspberry Pi, or dedicated signage player that can open a web browser. We also offer native Android TV and Amazon Fire TV apps.
Can we use a regular TV without a smart TV feature?
Yes — plug in an Amazon Fire TV Stick or a Chromecast with Google TV and you're good to go.
Do you have an app for Samsung TVs?
Samsung TV app support is on our roadmap. For now, use the Samsung smart TV built-in browser, or plug in a Fire Stick or Chromecast.
The Screen
Can we run it on more than one TV?
Yes. One registered synagogue can use the same TV code on as many screens as needed — lobby, sanctuary, beit midrash, overflow rooms.
How does the screen stay up to date?
The TV auto-reloads after local sunset, after midnight, and instantly when you publish a change from the dashboard.
Why doesn't the date change at exactly midnight?
We spread date updates across a short window after midnight so we don't hit every TV at the exact same moment. Your screen should update within about 15 minutes.
Can we show the screen in Hebrew?
Hebrew and other language support (including Farsi, Spanish, French, and Arabic) are on our roadmap. English is the current default.
Admin & Dashboard
How do I log in to the dashboard?
You don't log in with a password. You receive a private 16-character magic-link URL. Bookmark it or save it somewhere safe — it's your permanent access.
What if I lose my dashboard link?
Sign up again with the same email address. The system detects the existing account and resends your dashboard and TV details.
Can more than one person manage the screen?
Yes — share your dashboard link with anyone on your team who needs access.
Alerts & Emergency
What does the emergency alert system do?
Pushing a live alert sends a red ribbon and audio across every screen at your synagogue in real time, while normal content stays visible underneath. A green test ribbon lets you rehearse without alarming anyone.
Is it connected to FEMA or Pikud HaOref?
Not yet. Internal alerts work today. Connections to FEMA (US), Pikud HaOref (Israel), Hatzalah, and other local systems are on our roadmap.
Can we rely on this as our only emergency system?
No. Zmanim.TV is a convenience tool, not a certified life-safety system. Always maintain independent backup emergency procedures.
Shabbat & Holidays
Do you observe Shabbat?
Yes. We do not work on the system or respond to emails from the start of Shabbat in Japan through the end of Shabbat in Hawaii, and on high holidays.
Does the donation QR disappear on Shabbat?
Yes — you can set the QR code to automatically hide on Shabbat and Yom Tov so no one has to remember to turn it off.
Beta & Reliability
Is this ready for production use?
Zmanim.TV is currently in beta. The system is functional and actively used, but we're still testing and improving. We recommend keeping independent backup procedures for anything safety-critical.
What happens if there's a bug or outage?
If an upstream feed is unavailable, the affected section goes blank rather than showing incorrect data. We monitor the system and push fixes regularly.
Still have a question?
We're happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you.
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