Capital Region synagogues increase security for Rosh Hashanah holiday
Celebrations for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began on Wednesday evening.
Rabbi Greg Weitzman of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany said his community is hoping for peace this coming year as we come up on one year since Hamas launched rockets into Israel.
Weitzman said they will be taking precautions which includes armed security and Albany police officers.
He said everyone should feel safe coming to temple for services.
Antisemitic attacks have happened across the country, including in our community.
Shots were fired at Temple Israel in Albany, last December. Tensions are high as the war in Israel continues.
Last year, police in Albany were investigating a bomb threat called for Temple Israel. That was during the 2023 Rosh Hashanah holiday. The building was searched by police and found to be safe.
During that same weekend, Troy Police were looking into a bomb threat at Congregation Berith Sholom. Police also searched that building, and found it to be safe, they said. This came at a time police believed other similar anonymous threats were received at multiple locations across several states.
Rabbi Weitzman said it’s been a hard year for the Jewish community and they’re hoping for new joy, peace and hope in the new year.
“I think a lot of people are really looking forward to recharging, and reimagining and resetting the clock,” said Weitzman. Last year after Oct. 7 was a challenging time for many, many of us, and it feels as though we’re still in that year, because it’s really coming up. The anniversary will be on Monday, and many Jews are excited to congregate, excited to be together.”
Services at Beth Emeth were set to begin at 7:30 p.m.