Like many people, we have a range of whatsapp (TM) groups that are most useful for select group conversations. They are like instantaneous sms’s through the Internet that are received by those who are permitted to be subscribed.
Before both my daughter’s weddings we had two special groups, one with one set of Mechutonim and the Chosson and Kallah, and another with the other Mechutonim and the the other Chosson and Kallah. We used it to exchange various operational and tactical approaches to putting the Chassuneh together, as well as exchanging a picture every now and again.
As the Chassunos approached, I wondered, in response to a question from one of my daughters whether they could remain on the whatsapp group, even if they didn’t contribute per se directly to the Chosson and vice versa or whether this was a type of conversation akin to a more old fashioned group telephone call.
With whatsapp, one does not see the participants, unlike say, FaceTime (TM) and Skype (TM). I promised to ask Mori V’Rabbi R’ Hershel Schachter. His response for those who are interested was:
this is not a real din – it is a new minhag that was invented in recent years. They should do whatever they feel is right…
pitputim 