20 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2019

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Rosh Hashanah

Many congregations
require High Holiday attend-
ees to present tickets and
parking passes mailed in
advance; the parking passes
are displayed on car wind-
shields for easy identification
by security guards. Guards,
including some off-duty
local police officers, have
been common at area con-
gregations for years, in part
to help with traffic, but now
they focus as much or more
on security — ensuring that
those entering parking lots
and buildings belong there.
At Congregation Beth
Shalom in Oak Park, Rabbi
Robert Gamer says the syn-
agogue has always had secu-
rity for the holidays led by a
retired police offi-
cer who has been
a member of the
congregation.
“He has had a
team that patrols
the building. We
have, after the
Pittsburgh shoot-
ing, added additional security
personnel who are there every
week of the year and will be
there in addition for the High
Holidays.”

ANXIETY RISES FOR SOME
Anecdotally, the recent mass
shootings in synagogues and
at other sites have increased
anxiety levels for some indi-
viduals. Some are fearful in
any large group event while

others feel particularly vulner-
able in synagogues.
Visible security measures
are reassuring to some while
discomforting to others.
A Temple Israel member
recently attended services at
a synagogue in Columbus,
Ohio, where multiple police
vehicles were parked with
flashing lights. She says she
is somewhat afraid about
going to services but will
attend anyway.
At many synagogues,
including Shaarey Zedek,
Temple Israel, Temple Beth
El, Congregation B’
nai Moshe
and Temple Shir Shalom,
services for Shabbat and the
High Holidays are streamed
live online, providing an
option for those who are
unable or anxious about
attending in person.
“I have not heard from
members that they are con-
cerned or worried about
attending services at Beth
Shalom specifically,” Gamer
said. “There may be general
concerns given the number
of houses of worship that
have been attacked in all
religions. No one has said, ‘
I
don’
t feel comfortable com-
ing to shul.’
”
As one West Bloomfield
resident puts it, “If we don’
t
go to services, then they’
ve
won.”

“We have been conducting drills
with various members of our
synagogue, including greeters,
ushers and security guards.”

— BOB RICH,

SHAAREY ZEDEK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rabbi Robert
Gamer

BETH SHALOM

May the coming year be filled with
health and happiness and pr
osperity
for
all our Family and Friends.

Happy New Year

DeVinney Czarnecki Physical Therapy

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eld

248-851-6999

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