To discourage theft of Sifrei Torah, to protect a prospective purchaser as well as to recover stolen Sifrei Torah, Rabbinical leaders have approved a Halachically acceptable method of identifying a Sefer Torah, through the Universal Torah Registry system.

We suggest that all Sifrei Torah be registered with Universal Torah Registry, 1-212-983-4800, ext. 132.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the only Torah Registry system available.



Many synagogues have constructed steel gates, similar to the gates protecting store fronts, around the Ark. These can be decoratively designed so as to be consistent with the aesthetic appearance and dignity of the synagogue. Some synagogues place the Paroches in a manner which completely covers the steel gates. Companies which specialize in iron work may be consulted.



Activating a security system when one leaves a building, and turning it off when one is about to enter normally require acts which are not permitted on the Sabbath and Holy Days. To meet this problem, Halachically acceptable methods and devices are available.

It is therefore imperative that the Rabbi be consulted and involved, from the start, with the design and choice of your security system.



For those synagogues with a limited number of persons present during week days, it is suggested that an inexpensive TV monitor system be installed at the entrance of the synagogue. This system, combined with a buzzer to release the lock on the front door, would discourage unwanted presence in the building.

Care should be taken in placing the camera, so that it cannot be either stolen or vandalized. It is suggested that it either be placed above the ground floor level and slanted downwards, or be recessed.



Security depends in part upon perception. A would-be intruder may be discouraged by visible deterrents in the form of gates and grills around windows and doors.

These devices, although protective, can be unsightly and diminish the dignity of the house of worship.

It is therefore suggested that windows and doors be protected by decorative iron work in the form of Menorahs, Stars of David and/or other religious symbols. An ornamental iron work contractor could be consulted.



The very useful recommendations in the ADL's material and in this Supplement can, in some cases, be nullified by human error or carelessness. It is therefore important to place responsible and dedicated individuals in charge of each of these matters.

A. KEYS

In synagogues which do not have a full-time custodian, keys are entrusted to various individuals, to open the door for Services and for other purposes. If they are given to some people, it is difficult to refuse them to others. Many things can happen in these circumstances, including their unauthorized use by relatives when the original holder passes on.

In such situations, it is important that the cylinders be changed periodically on all locks and new keys issued. It is difficult to objectively define "periodically" in this context. Few will go to the expense and bother of doing this unless there is a definite time scheduled. It is suggested that the time interval be the same as that for checking Tefillin, namely twice every seven years, i.e., once every three and a half years.

Whenever someone leaves the congregation's employ, the cylinders on all locks for which the person had a key should be changed, unless you have as much confidence in the person upon their leaving as you had when you first engaged the person. Surrender of the keys would give a false sense of security, as most keys can be readily duplicated.

B. "COMBINATION" LOCK

Where there is no eruv to permit carrying on Shabbos, use of a numerical "combination" to be dialed instead of keys is suggested. Some people may anticipate that those responsible would have difficulty in remembering the combination. If so, utilize the numerical value of the consonants in a common Hebrew word, e.g. TOV = 962. But this number should not be used, as it is now in this widely circulated Brochure and could be used by an unauthorized person. Of course, this combination should also be changed "periodically".



Safeguarding human lives is a major tenet of our faith.

Most local governments have codes for fire safety. They are designed to lessen the possibility of a fire starting, to delay its spread and to make it easy for people to escape. (Good and unobstructed exits are also vital in other cases of panic.)

Some congregations have also found it beneficial to consult their local Fire Department for advice and counsel, including a visit to the synagogue building by that agency.

The lives saved by complying with the fire code are likely to be, first, those of our own worshippers. Fire safety measures also help prevent the destruction, G-d forbid, of Sifrei Torah, as well as of Chumashim, Siddurim and other books which contain the Divine Name.



Government pressures and economic factors relevant to public utilities cause them to engage in active energy conservation work.

In the down state New York area, Con Edison, LILCO and Brooklyn Union Gas offer considerable advice on energy conservation without charge. In many cases, suppliers of oil, as well as public utilities in other parts of the country, do likewise.

Numerous Professional Engineers offer advice on conservation. Professional services can be very valuable.

The U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 offers much printed material regarding energy conservation at modest prices at no cost.

A postal card to them will bring a list of their publications on, the subject. The same may be true of your state government.

An investment in energy conservation improvements to a building and/or in equipment, produces - in some cases - annual cash savings of 40% or more of the cost.

If you cannot obtain interest-free loans for an energy-saving improvement (from your members, their friends and others in your community) and if the reduction in energy costs would be substantial in proportion to the investment, it is likely to be to your advantage to explore borrowing from commercial sources. There may well be a net cash saving after paying interest and principal during the period of the loan, plus a much larger saving thereafter - it is a matter of arithmetic.



We hope that this manual on Security for Synagogues will protect the sanctity and dignity of our synagogues as places of worship and study, protect their occupants, and safeguard our communities' investments in synagogue buildings and in their contents.

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