Congregations are increasing security before Rosh Hashanah
Jewish congregations across the United States are preparing for the High Holy Days with heightened security, threat-response training and difficult internal conversations about Israel.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Friday and continues through Sunday evening. Yom Kippur follows September 20–21, bringing large numbers of worshipers to synagogues for some of the most sacred observances on the Jewish calendar.
Security Becomes Part of Worship Preparation
Rabbis and institutional leaders told the Associated Press that concerns about antisemitic violence are shaping this year’s preparations.
Some communities are coordinating with local police, reviewing emergency plans and training staff and volunteers to identify suspicious behavior. The Secure Community Network, which works with Jewish institutions, has expanded resources for situational awareness and emergency response.
The goal is not to turn houses of worship into fortresses, leaders say, but to let families pray without ignoring credible risks.
Congregations Face Internal Divisions
Security is not the only challenge. Synagogues are also navigating sharp disagreements over Israel, the regional war and how religious leaders should speak about public events.
Some members want forceful public advocacy for Israel and Jewish security. Others are pressing leaders to address civilian suffering or to create more room for dissent. Rabbis are trying to hold communities together without pretending those disagreements are minor.
Antisemitic threats come from multiple ideological and religious sources. Condemning them consistently means refusing to excuse hatred when it appears within one’s own political coalition or social circle.
Why It Matters
Religious liberty is meaningful only when people can gather openly and safely. No American should need to weigh the risk of violence before entering a synagogue, church, mosque or other house of worship.
The High Holy Days center on repentance, judgment, forgiveness and renewal. Those themes are deeply spiritual, even as the security surrounding them reflects a painful reality.
THRIVE! Perspective
Christians should oppose antisemitism without qualification and stand with Jewish neighbors who face threats because of their identity or worship.
Solidarity does not require erasing every political disagreement. It requires defending the dignity and religious freedom of Jewish people, refusing conspiracy and dehumanization, and praying for the peace of Jerusalem as the Bible commands, and for the protection of communities entering a sacred season.
