A Safe, Welcoming Community

We feel the unease that hangs over our Jewish community. Rising antisemitism fuels concerns, fears and tensions for Jews around the world. At Congregation B’nai Israel, we are committed to ensuring our synagogue remains both warm and welcoming and safe and secure for everyone who walks through our doors. A secure environment allows our community to gather, pray, learn, and celebrate Jewish life with confidence and peace of mind.

Our Approach

Our security efforts are guided by a thoughtful, balanced approach:

• Layered Protection — Combining personnel, technology, and procedures for multiple levels of safety and security.
• Preparedness — Ongoing planning, training, and coordination with safety & security experts.
• Community Awareness — Encouraging everyone to play a role in keeping our community safe.

Ongoing Oversight

Congregation B’nai Israel’s Security Committee, comprised of congregants and staff, meets regularly to review our security posture, assess evolving risks, and guide ongoing improvements. Security is not static; we continuously evaluate and refine our approach to help ensure the safest possible environment for our community.

What We’re Doing

We have made significant security investments to protect our congregants, including:

• A professional security presence during services, school, and events
• Managed entry and access procedures
• Enhanced security systems and monitoring
• Coordination with local law enforcement
• Ongoing review and enhancement of our security practices

For security reasons, we do not share specific details publicly, but we continuously evaluate and strengthen our approach.

Strong Partnerships

We work closely with trusted partners who specialize in security for the Jewish Community:

• Secure Community Network (SCN)
• Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County
• Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
• Local law enforcement and emergency services

These partnerships provide guidance, training, and resources to help keep our community safe.

How You Can Help

Security is a shared responsibility. We ask the following of all members and visitors:

• If you see something, say something — report anything unusual or concerning
• Follow guidance from staff and security personnel
• Respect entry procedures and access points
• Pre-register for events when requested

Visting B’nai Israel

We warmly welcome guests to our community. For certain services or events, we may require advance registration or identification upon arrival. Contact our temple office at (203) 336-1858 to learn more. We appreciate your cooperation as we balance openness with safety.

Hosting an Event

Planning an event at B’nai Israel? Please complete our Event Security Form so we can support your event and ensure a safe experience for all. If you have questions, contact our Security Committee or the temple office at (203) 336-1858.

Questions

If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about safety and security and Congregation B’nai Israel, contact our Security Committee.