Safety and Security

Dear Congregants,
 
The October 27th violence against Jews in Pittsburgh has prompted thoughtful discussions here about safety and security at Oak Park Temple.  We have held an open Town Hall meeting, followed by several Safety and Security Task Force meetings.

Please note that the Temple has sophisticated and layered security systems in place involving cameras, remote locks and much more.  To reveal them publicly would undermine their usefulness.

In response to congregational input the Board of Directors approved that -

•All doors will be locked, all the time. 

•Only one door at a time will be used for access.
​​​​​​​•At our busiest times we will have a security professional open the door.  

​​​​​​​•Please make note of the following:
   ​​​​​​​•Fridays evenings - use Harlem door 
   ​​​​​​​•Saturday mornings - use Harlem door
   ​​​​​​​•Sunday mornings - use Berkshire door
   ​​​​​​​•Wednesday evenings - use Berkshire door.

​​​​​​​•At all other times, congregants should (patiently) use the remote unlock system operated by office personnel and already in use at both entrances.  
​​​​​​​•There will be no change to our preschool daytime access procedures.  
​​​​​​​•We will have signs posted at both entrances to assist this transition. 

This is a short term solution, we will keep this schedule through the end of the religious school year and then consider whether changes need to be made for the summer. The Task Force is exploring long term alternatives and seeking expert advice. 

Should you wish to know more about Temple security, or wish to join the Task Force, please do not hesitate to contact me or Danielle Sandler. 

Shari S
President
Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion