Security Starts With Awareness
After the recent attack at a synagogue in Michigan, many in the Jewish community are asking the same question: what can we do to stay safe?
The answer is not panic. It is preparation.
While no security plan is perfect, there are practical habits that strengthen any community. Many of these lessons come from a mindset deeply rooted in Israeli society: awareness, responsibility, and cooperation.
Situational awareness is one of the most effective safety tools any individual can develop. It requires no equipment and no special background. It simply means paying attention. The first step is simple: keep your head out of your phone. Phones are useful, but they can also make us distracted. When entering or leaving a synagogue, community center, or public event, take a moment to look around. Notice who is nearby. Be aware of entrances and exits. A common habit in Israel is to quickly note where the doors are and how you would leave if necessary. This takes only a few seconds, but in an emergency it can make a meaningful difference.
Another concept often discussed in Israeli security culture is understanding the baseline of an environment. Every place has a normal rhythm. At synagogue that might mean familiar faces, regular activity, and people greeting one another. Situational awareness simply means recognizing what is normal for that space. When something falls outside that baseline, it deserves attention. Most of the time it is nothing. But awareness allows communities to respond early when something truly is wrong. This mindset is not about paranoia. It is about being present.
Another important part of community safety is respecting security protocols. Many Jewish institutions have procedures for controlling access to their buildings. These systems only work when people follow them.
If you do not know someone, do not open the door for them. Allow trained staff or security volunteers to handle access. It may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but these small habits make a real difference. It is important to be aware that many synagogues and Jewish organizations have trained volunteers or professionals responsible for safety. In an emergency, follow their direction and allow them to coordinate the response. Trusting these local teams is an important part of community resilience.
If your synagogue offers safety training or opportunities to volunteer, consider participating. Even basic preparation strengthens the entire community.
Security planning also requires discretion. While members of the community should understand the procedures that affect them, specific details about security measures should not be shared publicly or on social media. Broadcasting those details carelessly can create unnecessary risks. When entering or exiting a Jewish institution, follow the procedures that are in place. If a facility asks visitors to sign in, take the time to do so. If specific entrances are designated, use them. Do not prop doors open for convenience. These small actions support the systems that are there to protect everyone.
There are simple lessons from Israel that anyone can adopt. One example is awareness of unattended items. If you see a bag left alone in a synagogue, school, or public space, say something. Most of the time it is harmless. But reporting concerns early is a key part of prevention.
Jewish institutions across the country have significantly strengthened their safety programs in recent years, and local organizations continue to work closely with law enforcement and community partners. Knowing who to contact is important. The Jewish Federation said it best in their press release: if you encounter suspicious activity or concerning online behavior directed toward the Jewish community, organizations such as SAFE Cincinnati can assist in evaluating the situation. Suspicious activity can be reported to SAFE Cincinnati at 513-540-3873. In an emergency, always call 911.
For those who observe Shabbat and Yom Tov, it may also be helpful to speak with your rabbi about the halachic considerations related to safety and security. Some communities discuss whether carrying a dedicated phone for emergencies while walking to and from synagogue may be permissible under certain circumstances. Halachic guidance can vary, and these questions should be addressed with a qualified rabbinic authority.
Security awareness should begin at home. Families can review simple safety basics with their children. Kids should know their parents’ full names and phone numbers, and understand who the trusted adults are that they can speak to if they need help. It is helpful to talk with children about who they should not engage with. As a general rule, children should avoid conversations with strangers and know that if someone approaches them in a way that feels uncomfortable, they should move toward a trusted adult, teacher, parent, or security volunteer.
Families may also want to establish a simple meeting plan. If a child becomes separated from their parents at synagogue, school, or a public event, they should know exactly where to go and who to look for. Identifying a clear meeting spot or trusted adult ahead of time removes confusion during a stressful moment. Children should also know which adults are authorized to pick them up in an emergency. Creating a short list of safe adults such as relatives, close family friends, or trusted members of the community helps ensure children know exactly who they can rely on if something unexpected happens.
These conversations do not need to be complicated or frightening. They simply help children understand what to do and who to trust if something unusual occurs. Prepared communities start with prepared families.
Finally, consider learning practical self defense. Training is not about turning people into fighters. The goal is confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect yourself or create an opportunity to escape from a dangerous situation if necessary.
Security is not about fear. It is about preparation and looking out for one another. Jewish communities have always endured by staying alert, supporting one another, and taking responsibility for their own safety. When communities communicate, follow good security practices, and trust the teams working to protect them, they become stronger, more confident, and more resilient together.
