Page 2 - December 2018

The Prez Sez
Recent events, such as the Saturday morning synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, have rattled the Jewish community around the world. However, I think they may also help us come together to fight this most recent wave of anti-Semitism. Hopefully, there will be a positive backlash for our people as our country decides which path it wants to follow.
As tragic, senseless, and awful as the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina was several years ago, if nothing else, it got our nation to take a really hard look at the Confederate Flag (and memorials) and what they stand for. Since then, the Confederate Flag has largely been removed from public places, and memorials are coming down. We had a national discussion and, in some way, the concepts of empathy and equality prevailed. We always hope that some good can come from something so bad, and it isn’t uncommon for people to see what’s going on and finally get fed up, step up, speak their voice, and take action to effectuate change.
For obvious reasons, synagogue security was the major topic of our November Board meeting. We have had a security committee in the past and we already have safety plans in place (and drills
from time to time). David W volunteered to act as the chair of the most recent iteration of the security committee, and he will work with the Federation to gather more information for us to evaluate. We have asked for and received input from you, too, as we examine what works, what doesn’t, and what more we can do. You may not know this, but the windows in the sanctuary are double paned and laminated. Although they aren’t bullet proof, they won’t easily shatter. We have received suggestions for curtains to be used at night as well as lights for the back area so we can see whoever might be looking in. We have received suggestions for barriers near the parking lot walkway to prevent car bombers as well as offers to stand watch during services (in addition to or instead of a security guard). Local law enforcement has reached out to us to let us know that they are there to help, and you should know that they already park their patrol cars in the lot during the day (lunch, speed checks, etc.) and sometimes in the evening. We already have fire and bomb evacuations from time to time. In the event of an active shooter,
you pretty much have three choices: run, hide or fight.
The Federation is working on a security program that will benefit the entire Jewish community. In the meantime, we have to remain calm and, above else, vigilant. We also have to be realistic about whether any of these things will actually stop a bad person who is intent on hurting us. Do we want security for more than the High Holy Days or have it every day? Do we really want to put an unarmed security guard, let alone a congregant, in harm’s way? Given the low probability of being a victim to a synagogue shooter, is spending a lot of money on “protection” a good use of our resources? Does having a security guard out front actually make you feel safer?
We will have an informal congregational get together on Thursday, January 10, 4:30–6:30 p.m. to discuss various topics. Because we weren’t able to schedule on a Sunday, feel free to come and go as you like. It will either be akin to the coffee talk we had in February, or the Town Hall style meeting from a couple of years ago. Either way, come with questions (or, better yet, answers) about our future.
Larry H
Page 2!
Kislev / Tevet 5779
December 2018