20 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2019 

continued from page 18

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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