Security increases at New Jersey synagogues for High Holy Days
The high holidays bring high attendance and high security.
New Jersey’s Jewish population has begun celebrating Rosh Hashanah, which lasts through Sunday evening. Synagogues around the state are increasing security for the High Holy Days.
“Rosh Hashanah, which is one of the High Holidays, is a celebration of the Jewish New Year," said Josh Katz, the security chair at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield. "And Yom Kippur is our day of atonement.”
The High Holy Days bring high attendance and high security.
“With that many people coming into the building, we just assume that it’s going to be a more likely target," said Katz.
Ner Tamid was targeted back in January 2023 in an attempted firebombing. Bloomfield police will have an expanded presence in the days ahead, and there will be changes inside and out.
“People need a ticket to get in," said Katz. "We verify their ID. They pass through a metal detector, which is not something that we always have.”
There are also large boulders outside the building to prevent a vehicle from ramming it. In January, a Carteret man repeatedly rammed his car into a Brooklyn synagogue.
Extra security comes at a price for these houses of worship all over the state. This week, Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced $1.7 million in reimbursement for eight North Jersey Jewish organizations.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, New Jersey ranked third in America with nearly 700 antisemitic incidents in 2025.
“Of course it’s disheartening," said Katz. "It’s a house of worship, and it’s not the kind of thing we like to think about.”
