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