Beginning in 2023 and culminating in 2024,  Erin Bersin and I worked  on behalf of Congregation Beth El on getting a  FEMA grant that will enable us to update our synagogue’s security. We would like to share with you the changes that have already taken place as a consequence of the grant and changes that are in the works.

I know everyone remembers coming to services, especially in the fall and winter, and pulling your car into a dark parking lot. A dark parking lot is a thing of the past! Come into the light and see the lights! The lighting throughout the building has been replaced with more ecofriendly and more economically friendly LED lighting. Yes, we mean interior and exterior lighting. The classrooms, hallways, lobby, sanctuary, and outside have never looked brighter. Come to see the glow and stay for Services.  If you are wondering if CBE can now be seen from space…… we are too!

All the interior locks throughout the building have been replaced. We were able to create “safe zones” whether needed for an intruder or severe weather conditions. The main “safe zones” are the left corner sanctuary closet near the library window, and both bathrooms. Classrooms have several options and at the teacher in-service, Michelle Renfrow will discuss the “safe zones” that are closest to or in each classroom.  She will also be going over all of the other safety plans that the Religious School will be implementing.

Our alarm security system had a complete overhaul! All the exterior doors have been made even more secure with new entry mechanisms. The only way to get into the building is if you have been buzzed in or allowed in. Please help us keep the synagogue safe, if you DO NOT PERSONALLY KNOW THE PERSON AT THE DOOR, DO NOT LET THEM IN. Please leave that up to Detective Zimmer, the police officer on duty, or staff. There is also a new intercom at the front door so that staff can easily communicate with anyone who rings the doorbell. We now also have numerous panic buttons, and they are carried by the staff and teachers when they are on campus. 

Smile you are on CBE Camera! We have new cameras throughout the building inside and out. The cameras record 24/7 and have night vision so that the live videos and pictures are always clear. Have you ever noticed how some of the “have you seen” pictures shown on news clips are clear and others not so much? Well, rest assured our cameras have clear and crisp images. The staff now have a beautiful monitor in the office and some of the staff have apps so that they can monitor what is going on from anywhere. The staff and Detective Zimmer have clear access to view the entire building inside and out at any time. As I wrote earlier, there is a new intercom and working doorbell at the front door. Staff can see and communicate with whomever is at the front door and if warranted, visitors can be buzzed in. 

Still to come for the front doors will be the installation of Defense Film for the glass throughout the front entrance and the office windows. This particular film is made of a high-grade material that can slow down anyone that is trying to enter the front of the building without being buzzed in or projectiles being whipped around during a storm. It has been proven effective to withstand hammers and axes, and slows down bullets giving law enforcement time to arrive.

We will be installing new fencing around the playground and in other areas of the building. You all know the purpose of a fence, need I say more.

With all our upgrades and with the awareness of our surroundings, Congregation Beth El has never felt safer. 

Erin and I would like to THANK:

The Federal Government for making this Security Grant possible.

Al Tribble from the Jewish Federation, the staff at The Secure Community Network, and our liaison Daniel on the State level.

We would also like to thank our families for not complaining about the many hours we spent away from them during this incredibly lengthy process.