After the terror attack at a synagogue in Michigan, many in the Jewish community are asking the same question: what can we do to stay safe?
While no security plan is perfect, there are practical steps individuals and communities can take to improve safety and preparedness. Many of these lessons come from a mindset deeply embedded in Israeli society: awareness, responsibility and community cooperation.
Situational awareness is one of the most effective safety tools any individual can develop. It does not require special equipment or extensive training. It simply requires paying attention to the world around you.
The first step is also the easiest: keep your head out of your phone.
Phones are useful, but they also make us distracted. When entering or leaving a synagogue, community center or event, take a moment to look around. Notice who is nearby. Pay attention to entrances and exits. Being aware of your surroundings dramatically increases your ability to recognize when something is out of place.
A simple habit many people practice in Israel is knowing your exits. When you enter a building, quickly identify where the doors are and how you would leave if there were an emergency. This takes only a few seconds, but in a stressful situation it can make a significant difference.
Another concept often discussed in Israeli security culture is understanding the “baseline” of your environment. Every place has a normal rhythm. At synagogue, that might mean familiar faces, regular activity and people greeting one another. Situational awareness means recognizing what is normal for that space. When something falls outside that baseline, it deserves attention. It may be nothing, but it is worth noticing.
Situational awareness is not about paranoia. It is about focus. It means being present in your environment, noticing what is normal and recognizing when something is not.
Another important habit is controlling access to Jewish institutions. It can feel uncomfortable to turn someone away or ask questions, but security protocols exist for a reason. If you do not know someone, do not open the door for them. Allow trained staff or security volunteers to handle access to the building.
Community involvement also plays a major role in security. Many synagogues and Jewish organizations have volunteer safety or security teams. Make sure you know who the safety and security team members are at your synagogue or Jewish institution. In the event of an emergency, they are trained to help guide people and direct the appropriate response.
If your synagogue offers the opportunity to participate in training or volunteer in a security role, consider getting involved. Even basic preparedness strengthens the entire community.
If your synagogue or Jewish institution does not currently have a security team or clearly defined safety protocols, developing them should be a priority. Establish procedures for access control, emergency response and communication with local law enforcement. If your institution already has security protocols in place, schedule regular meetings to review them. Security plans should not sit on a shelf. They should be discussed, practiced and updated as needed.
It is also important to remember that security protocols should remain within the community. Avoid sharing specific details about your synagogue’s security measures on social media or in public forums. While members of the community should understand procedures that affect them, broadcasting security plans carelessly can create unnecessary risks.
When entering or exiting a synagogue or Jewish institution, follow the established procedures. If the facility requires visitors to sign in or out, take the time to do so. If specific entrances or exits are designated for regular use, follow those guidelines. Small actions matter. Do not prop doors open for convenience, and respect the security systems that are in place to protect the community.
There are also practical lessons we can learn from Israel, where public awareness is a routine part of daily life. One example is something very simple: unattended bags. If you see a bag left alone in a synagogue, school or public space, say something. Most of the time it is nothing, but awareness and reporting are key parts of prevention.
Knowing who to contact is also essential. If you see suspicious online activity or concerning social media posts directed toward the Jewish community, organizations like SAFE Cincinnati can help evaluate and respond appropriately. Suspicious activity can be reported directly to SAFE Cincinnati at 513-540-3873. In an emergency situation, always call 911 immediately.
For those who observe Shabbat and Yom Tov, it may also be helpful to speak with your rabbi about the relevant halachic considerations related to safety and security. Some communities discuss whether carrying a dedicated phone for emergency use while walking to and from synagogue may be permissible under certain circumstances. Halachic guidance can vary, and these questions should always be addressed with a qualified rabbinic authority. The important point is that safety planning and religious observance should be discussed together, not separately.
Security awareness should also begin at home. Families should consider creating and reviewing a basic family safety plan. In an emergency situation, children should know their parents’ full names. It may sound simple, but telling first responders they need “Mom and Dad” is not always enough.
Children should also know their parents’ phone numbers and understand who the trusted adults are that can pick them up in an emergency. Creating a short list of safe adults such as relatives, close family friends or trusted community members can help ensure children know exactly who they can rely on if something unexpected happens.
Finally, consider learning practical self defense. Training does not need to turn someone into a fighter. The goal is confidence, awareness and the ability to protect yourself or escape from a dangerous situation if necessary. Self defense training also reinforces the same principles that improve situational awareness and personal safety.
Security is not about living in fear. It is about being prepared and looking out for one another. Jewish communities have always thrived not only through resilience, but through responsibility for one another.
