Today's topic deals with the security measures that have been implemented at the shul in the 15 months since we started limiting in-person activities. Although this is a topic that brings us little joy to address, it is also a topic that is ever more necessary to focus on. We feel strongly that ensuring the safety of our congregants is one of the most basic and critical functions of the board and the staff.
We don't think we need to review the ways in which the world has changed, and the ways in which the safety of those not in the majority has been impacted. Suffice it to say that the world, including our nice little suburb of Mendota Heights, is less safe for Jews than it was when we last gathered in large numbers. To help address our security needs, we formed a committee consisting of Ben Behar, Peter Dorsen, Rafi Forbush, Mike Keller, Alex Locke, Mickey Minsberg and Neil Moses-Zirkes, with assistance from Dan Plekkenpol, the JCRC's Director of Community Security. This group has met periodically over the past 18 months to review the security assessment completed by the JCRC and work on a prioritized set of recommended changes to deal with the safety gaps.
As a result of the committee's work and with the approval of Beth Jacob's Board, we have implemented a number of changes that we believe minimizes, but certainly not eliminates, the threats to our safety. First and foremost will be the presence of an armed, plain-clothed security officer in our lobby every Shabbat and major holiday, beginning this Shabbat June 12th. For those who attended high-holiday services in 2019, this security measure will feel familiar. We have been very thoughtful and intentional in our decision to use an outside security company, as well as our choice of Elite Protective Services as our specific provider. Elite currently provides security services at the Heilicher Jewish Day School, the JCC, and many Twin Cities shuls. They understand the context of providing security for Jewish institutions, and we are confident that they will provide culturally appropriate protection. Since we will continue to utilize volunteer greeters, who will be co-located in our lobby with the security officer, we have plans to offer security training to greeters and the board in the coming months.
Other physical changes that you will notice include the frosting of the chapel windows and the removal of the door handle for the vestibule entrance to the chapel, the use of remote radios to coordinate sanctuary communication in the event of an emergency situation, and the planned July placement of a cement blocker in front of the drop off spot leading up to the front door. In addition to these funded enhancements, we are also applying for a Homeland Security grant to provide electronic control access to all our exterior doors, additional cameras and the integration of these cameras with a dedicated computer screen in the office, and 3M security film on all exterior windows.
We understand that for many, these changes will take some time to get used to, and for others these changes may not go far enough to make them comfortable. Please be patient with us as we roll out these enhancements. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback.
-The Beth Jacob Security Committee
