Security and Safety at Temple Israel

We are deeply saddened at the news of so many recent and horrific attacks on places of worship and people of faith, as well as senseless acts of hatred, violence, and intolerance throughout the world. These events are antithetical to our beliefs as Jews, and the fear that horrific actions such as these generates ripples throughout our community and beyond.

The safety of our members, students, and guests is our utmost priority. Please rest assured that Temple Israel continues to work with our St. Louis community security team through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the local Creve Coeur police to ensure necessary precautions are in place, so if a situation were ever to occur, we would be as prepared as possible.

Here are a few of the current safety and security measures that we have in place to keep our community safe:

• We've utilized grant money awarded through Homeland Security to update our security systems throughout the Temple building and education center, including new cameras, door locks and key card entry system.
• We've put our core staff through intensive intruder training so that they are better able to identify and manage situations such as these.
• We have the capability to send mass text message communications, so if there were an emergency, Temple members and Religious School families could be notified immediately. Preschool families will receive notifications through the Brightwheel app.
• We have a local police officer who lives on Temple Israel grounds to monitor the safety of our campus.

In addition, we hire highly-trained security officers for all of our Shabbat services, Temple events, educational and social programming, and during Sunday Religious School hours. And, the Creve Coeur police department are always highly aware and patrolling locally to help ensure the safety of our community. 

Our Safety Committee continues to address ongoing concerns and update procedures according to the most recent recommendations.

Here are some things that you can do to help ensure our campus remains safe: 

• Understand that TI needs to be a secure building, for the safety of all.
• Announce your name and the purpose of your visit when you buzz in, even if you’ve been here before.
• Do not let others enter the building behind you; each guest must undergo the same screening process.
• Do not prop entrance doors open.
• Be alert for suspicious behavior and/or packages; notify staff if you see something that concerns you.

Your family is our family, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that you feel as safe in the Temple and school buildings as you would in your own home. If you have any questions about security and safety at Temple Israel, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director, at randreasson@ti-stl.org or 314-548-9743.

If you would like to speak with our Rabbis for support or guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We are here for you.

Amy Knobblock-Hahn, President
Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director
Rabbi Amy Feder
Rabbi Michael Alper
Lesley Goldenberg, Director of Family Education

Make a Contribution to TI's Safety & Security Fund

Though security has been a key priority at TI for many years, we also recognize that these are unusual times, and so we’ve created a Safety & Security Fund to help keep our campus as secure as possible.  Your generosity enables us to take proactive safety measures so that cost is not the deciding factor in how well we are able to protect those who come to learn and worship here at TI.  

Find out more: www.ti-stl.org/SecurityFund