Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on January 9, 2020

Something is wrong when places of worship start locking their doors.

Violent attacks against the Jewish community the most recent was by a machete-wielding man at a synagogue in Monsey, New York has prompted some synagogues in Burlington County to take what at one time would be unthinkable precautions.

Congregation Beth Tikvah in Evesham is the latest place of worship to respond on behalf of the physical and emotional safety at CBT as an email from Rabbi Nathan Weiner said in its subject line because the status quo cant continue.

Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson already has addressed safety concerns. The synagogue began locking its doors during services after the 2018 Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, where 11 worshippers were fatally shot. People at the door now check in visitors, and during larger events the synagogue has armed security guards. In addition, the local police have provided active-shooter training.

Adath Emanu-El in Mount Laurel also uses armed guards and has worked with security consultants.

Thats right. Armed guards at a religious service.

This has many of us feeling outraged, scared, heartbroken and unsure how to combat the rising tide of hatred, Weiner said in his email.

We should all be outraged, scared, heartbroken ... and unsure.

The uncertainty is the hardest part, because it goes directly against what the faithful believe and preach to be open, welcoming, accepting and loving to our fellow humans, especially those who need it. Locks, metal detectors and security cameras dont exactly send that message.

So now religious leaders are in communication with law enforcement leaders for advice on how to keep their people safe.

Even the Burlington County Prosecutors Office is involved in assisting local synagogues and churches, even going so far as to offer a security briefing and training session run by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and providing security assessments.

Armed guards. Security details. Police presence and patrols. Bolted doors. Key cards. ID cards. Safety training. Theres a cost to these and other safety measures, and its much more than the financial sting to small, suburban congregations.

As Temple Sinai Rabbi Boaz Marmon said: Its a double-edged sword. On the one hand, part of coming to synagogue is feeling at home, and comfortable, and safe. But how do you feel at home and welcomed when you have to be checked in or use a key badge?

In a country built on and dedicated to religious freedom and tolerance, this is a sorry development.

Something sure is wrong when places of worship start locking their doors. But thats where we are.

Excerpt from:

Editorial: Thoughts on what once was unthinkable - Opinion - Burlington County Times

Category: Synagogue
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