Safety and Security
Because your safety and security are important to us . . .
BZBI is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our congregants and the community we serve. Through preparedness, partnerships, and training, our goal is to protect our congregants, community, clergy, and staff on the grounds of our synagogue and our surrounding environs.
What We Do
As synagogue safety and security is an ongoing issue, we are dedicated to being at the forefront of timely and relevant resources and advice. This will include providing you guidance and related information during our Morning Minyan, Shabbat Services, High Holy Days Services, as well as through drills and training in our Early Childhood and Religious School. We will also provide you knowledge to help keep you educated on best practices whether you are at the synagogue or in your home.
Upcoming Trainings:
Safety and security for the Jewish community have become even more critical in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel and the rising tide of threats and incidents against Jews across North America. In this spirit, we are proud to offer the following opportunities, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in partnership with HBO and the Secure Community Network. Please register for one or both of these opportunities by Sunday, February 18.
1. Film Screening & Panel – Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Landmark’s Ritz Five, Philadelphia
Join us for a film screening of HBO’s “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting” to experience the incredible resilience of our Pennsylvania Jewish community following the deadliest massacre of American Jews. This event is free to the public and will feature a panel discussion of survivors and experts.
2. Security Trainings – Thursday, February 22 @ Rodeph Shalom | 1:00 p.m. and Har Zion Temple | 6:30 p.m.
We will be offering two Counter Active Threat Training (CATT) sessions for agencies and congregations. These trainings will be led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Security Director Scott Kerns of Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. These trainings are open to staff, lay leaders and congregant members.
Advance registration is required for both events. For security purposes, we are not able to accept walk-ins. We kindly ask all adults to show their government issued photo IDs at check in. Bags are subject to search. For questions, please contact events at events@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0534.
General Resources
- Committing to Action: A Training on Situational Awareness & Countering Active Threats
- Homeland Security Advisories and Information Bulletins
- Active Shooter: How to Respond
- Survive an Active Shooter Event
- Bomb Threat – What to Do
- Threat and Intimidation Response Guide
- Vigilance through the power of hello
- Surviving Hostage Incidents
- Suspicious Mail or Packages
Local Information
- Philadelphia Police Department
- Philadelphia Fire Department
- Philadelphia Emergency Operations
- Pennsylvania State Police
- Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Mid-Atlantic Region of the
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
- Secure Community Network
Safety and Security at Home
