70 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2024
J
N
T
wo of Metro Detroit’s largest
congregations — Temple
Israel in West Bloomfield
and Congregation Shaarey Zedek
in Southfield — will enhance their
security for the High Holidays with
metal detectors and bag searches.
Both synagogues have used
metal detectors previously for
large-scale community events but
not for the High Holidays. At both
congregations, purses and bags may
be searched unless they are made of
a clear, see-through material.
A message distributed to the
Temple Israel community stated:
“As we approach the High Holy
Days, the leadership of Temple Israel
has approved additional security
measures to ensure the safety
and security of all attendees. One
noticeable change will be the use
of metal detectors at our entrances,
similar to what we have recently
used at major events…
“While there is no heightened
threat or reasons for concern
at this time, we appreciate your
understanding and cooperation as
we implement these measures. Your
safety is our top priority, and we are
confident these steps will contribute
to a secure and meaningful
in-person worship experience for
everyone on these holiest of days.”
Jason Plotkin, executive director
at Temple Israel, said metal
detectors have been used at recent
community events that have drawn
large numbers of attendees, such
as the showing of the
documentary about
the Hamas attack at
Israel’s Nova Music
Festival.
He said the
congregation’s security
team, comprised of
lay leaders, clergy
and staff, decided
to extend use of the
metal detector to the
High Holidays. Plotkin
added that “no threat or event has
led to this.”
He added that the metal detectors
will be similar to those used at
sporting events and people entering
the temple will be able to “just walk
through” them.
At Congregation Shaarey Zedek,
Rabbi Aaron Starr said that while
there have been no known threats
to the synagogue, the congregation’s
lay leadership thought that it would
be wise to “err on the side of safety
and security,” especially after the
Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
Their goal is to
encourage in-person
participation during
the High Holidays.
“Protecting life is
among the highest of
Jewish values and if
there are measures to
do so, we are obligated
to take them,” Rabbi
Starr commented.
He said that Shaarey
Zedek has used metal detectors at
several events during the past year.
Several other congregations
are reportedly considering metal
detectors for the High Holidays.
Jewish Community Security Inc.
(JCSI), the security division of the
Jewish Federation of Detroit, is
responsible for ensuring safety at all
local Jewish synagogues, schools and
other communal facilities. JCSI staff
members assist congregations with
security need assessments, training
and finding outside security staff
when requested.
JCSI has close connections with
local law enforcement and Michigan
ADL and on the national level with
the Security Community Network
(SCN) — the official security
organization for Jewish communities
in North America.
SCN assesses threats; safeguards
cyber security; shares information
among Jewish communities,
law enforcement and other
organizations; and provides webinars
and additional training for safety
and security. It was established in
2006 by the Jewish Federations of
North America and the Conference
of Presidents of Major American
Jewish Organizations.
According to SCN staff, security
measures at North American
synagogues and temples vary
depending in part on their size,
location and resources. Some have
armed guards and metal detectors
while others rely on trained
congregants for security.
A current SCN fact sheet states:
“While there are no specific,
credible threats at this time, Jewish
institutions are encouraged to
remain operational but vigilant.
SCN is prepared to respond if new
intelligence arises. Despite this, the
community has remained resilient,
continuing Jewish life with strength
and unity.”
Two local congregations will bolster security
with metal detectors for High Holidays.
Enhanced
Security
SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ROSH HASHANAH
Temple
Israel
Jason
Plotkin
Rabbi
Aaron Starr
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek