Temple Beth Shalom set to install new security door

by Alfred Hood

Temple Beth Shalom has received approval from the city of Hudson to install a new security door.

The temple, which serves a community of roughly 100 families, has received threats of violence like other Jewish temples in Northeast Ohio, according to Hudson resident James Field, co-president of the temple.

In response to concerns over security for its staff and congregants, the temple worked with the FBI, which conducted a security analysis to expose vulnerabilities, and the Hudson police, which helped establish a plan of action. It also applied for a $13,000 federal grant with the help of grant writer Wendy Hess.  

Field said the funds helped with several upgrades including shatter-resistant windows, a barricade system installed throughout the temple and the new security door. 

The gunfire-resistant door features multi-layer glass, a steel frame and a more secure locking mechanism while preserving a facade that blends with the area’s iconic New England architecture. 

“I think it will vastly improve the security that we have,” Field said.

The temple’s location in the Hudson Historic District meant that the Hudson Architectural and Historic Board of Review required approval before any renovations took place. Issues arose involving the preservation of original door materials, which were not very secure, and the need for enhanced security. But the city and the temple arrived at a compromise, Field explained.

“Hudson is a great town,” he said. “They’re very supportive of the temple, so we have not felt any way unwelcome or threatened by being in town. However, you don’t need a whole town or village to be a threat; you just need one person who has it in their mind to create a threat.” 

The shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018, only two hours from Hudson, and the invasion of Israeli towns by Hamas on Oct. 7 were catalysts for talks of enhanced security, in addition to the direct threats, Fields said.  

He also said that the temple has close ties to the nearby Islamic Center and shares many of the same concerns surrounding religious violence, despite their different theological perspectives. 

“We’re hoping to still be a welcoming institution for everybody. The mission of the temple is to support Jewish worship, Jewish culture and education, not only for our congregants, but for the greater community. We’re hoping the security measures give us the confidence to be able to do these activities in a way that we don’t have to worry about the security,” he said. ∞