In part because of its lax security and the reluctance to make changes, we joined a second synagogue, though it, too, had weaknesses. But they were more open to change, and they allocated a real budget for it. I again did the low-budget things, but I was also able to hire a real security agency with trained guards and actual weapons.
The biggest issue at both places was how to be welcoming yet also secure. Synagogues, like other houses of worship, are designed to be peaceful, comforting places — not guarded, gated fortresses. But after the horrific attacks in Pittsburgh, Poway and Colleyville, it became clear to even the most timid of congregants, staff and clergy that reality requires serious security. We can’t choose welcoming or secure; we need both.
So how can a house of worship be both welcoming and yet secure? The answer is simple, though many people just don’t see it.
Security requires congregants, staff and clergy to enact the policy of “see something, say something.” To do so effectively, you must throw political correctness out the door. If someone doesn’t look like they belong in your synagogue, church, mosque or other house of worship, don’t question yourself. Too many people chalk this concern up to prejudice. And it is, but there’s nothing wrong with that. In the Colleyville attack, the gunman was initially welcomed into the synagogue by the rabbi despite his concerns. This is the job of a rabbi, but it must be done with extreme caution. Fortunately, in that instance, the rabbi’s security training helped rescue congregants. Being welcoming must include asking polite questions while constantly looking for anything unusual.
At my synagogue on one Friday-night Shabbat service, the rabbi came to me because there was a young man in a large pickup truck waiting in the parking lot. I walked out to the lot and welcomed him.
“Hello,” I said. “Can I help you? Is everything OK?”
The young man seemed a little nervous, which concerned me.
“No,” he replied hesitantly. “I wasn’t sure if it’s OK to go in yet.”
“Services are about to begin. Did you want to attend services?”
“Yes,” he said.
“But I’m not Jewish,” he quickly added. “I’m taking a course at the community college on comparative religion, and I want to learn more about Judaism, but I don’t want to do the wrong thing and offend anyone.”
I smiled. “It’s hard to offend anyone here. Come on in. I’ll help you learn what to do.”
He thanked me and got out of the truck. He was dressed nicely and had been polite. I observed that he didn’t have any visible weapons. I walked him into the synagogue and introduced him to the rabbi. I talked with him about his studies. He relaxed. I sat with him and explained parts of the service. Afterwards, he thanked me again. I had been welcoming but also cautious.
In another incident on a Jewish holiday, a large RV appeared in the parking lot, taking up several parking spaces. Once again, I was asked to investigate. I saw it was covered with a myriad of bumper stickers for left-wing causes like the environment and animal rights. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but there were so many of them. And on a vehicle that was clearly out of place.
I shouted “hello” as I approached. I saw a hand draw back a curtain on a side window and a small face peer out briefly before the curtain swung shut. Then I became concerned. I slowly backed up, keeping my eyes on the RV, and dialed 911. It’s not allowed for Jews to work on most holidays and using a phone is considered work, but Jewish law has an exception when life or health is at stake, and that seemed to be a possibility.
A police car arrived within minutes. He chatted with me as we walked towards the RV when the door suddenly swung open and a middle-aged, white-bearded gentleman in a tallit greeted us. I saw the police officer subtly put his hand on his gun and finger on the holster snap. “Can I help you?” asked the bearded man.
“Just checking up,” replied the police officer pleasantly, but obviously aware and focused.
“We’re here for services,” replied the man. “We’re from Santa Cruz. We’re traveling north after the holidays and wanted to stop here for services. We’re Shomer Shabbas,” he explained, giving the Yiddish term for someone who strictly obeys the Jewish laws.
“I hope we’re not doing anything wrong,” he continued. “We called the synagogue office last week and were told it would be OK.”
The police officer looked at me. I asked who he’d talked to at the office, and he gave me a name. I called that person. “Yes, I told him it was OK,” she said to me on the phone. “I forgot to mention it to anyone.”
I talked to the man and his family, including several small children, and welcomed them to our synagogue. I thanked the officer for his help. He told me he’s always grateful to help protect a house of worship. I went inside and explained the situation to the rabbi and some congregants, who quickly spread the word.
In summary, there are four important points to being both welcoming and secure:
- Designate at least one person to welcome strangers. It can be the clergy if that person is comfortable with the job.
- That person must go out of their way to be calm and pleasant.
- That person must also look closely for signs of concern and immediately call the police if something seems wrong.
- That person must not be politically correct or self-doubting. If something doesn’t feel right, the most prudent action is to report it.
The two attributes necessary for a house of worship can go hand-in-hand. Being welcoming means confronting strangers with friendship and openness. Being secure means confronting strangers with a high awareness of potential problems. If you have any concerns, go with your gut and report those concerns to the authorities. It’s better to report a non-problem than, God forbid, ignore a problem that results in severe consequences.
Bob Zeidman is a creator in the field of software forensics and the founder of several successful high-tech Silicon Valley firms, including Zeidman Consulting and Software Analysis and Forensic Engineering.
