Emergency Preparedness Training for summer camps at Golden Slippers Camp At camp, everything moves fast: kids running between activities, staff rotating shifts, groups heading off-site, and a community that changes week to week. That’s part of the magic. But it’s also why emergencies, like medical incidents, severe weather, a missing camper, a fire, or an intruder, can escalate quickly if the response isn’t organized. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP)  is how a camp protects its

As an intense snowstorm bears down, synagogues, Jewish day schools, and community centers must act quickly to protect their people and facilities. Winter storms bring more than inconvenience; they can cause serious damage to buildings and disrupt operations. In fact, the current storm has knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, leaving many without heat in dangerous cold. The good news is that with the right emergency plan and proactive steps, many of these risks are prev

When a crisis hits, will you be ready? I know I want to be. Mastering emergency management strategies is not just smart - it’s essential. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a business, or simply want to be prepared, understanding how to handle emergencies can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the essentials of crisis management and how you can train yourself and your team to respond effectively. Why Emergency Management Strategies Matter More Than Ever Emergencie

Last week, an arson attack targeted Beth Israel Congregation  in Jackson, Mississippi, which also houses the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life . Authorities quickly labeled the fire a targeted antisemitic act. As one local official stated, “An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the values of our entire community.”  No one was injured, but the damage to sacred space and the sense of safety was profound. In the early hours of the morning, while the

Every Jewish organization knows it needs an emergency plan. Most even have one, somewhere in a binder, a Dropbox folder, or a file that was once reviewed during a board meeting. But having a plan and implementing a plan are two very different things. The real challenge begins the moment leaders ask: “How do we actually put all of this into practice… without overwhelming staff or breaking our budget?” This is exactly where JEPP steps in. At JEPP, we specialize not only in iden

Participants engage in an emergency preparedness training session organized by the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project. Community events are at the heart of Jewish life. Holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners, festivals, lectures, and outdoor gatherings bring people together, strengthen connection, and create a sense of belonging. At the same time, recent events around the world remind us that public gatherings require thoughtful preparation to ensure they remain safe, welco

Evacuation Drill at JRA There is a moment that happens in nearly every training we run at JEPP. A team gathers for what they believe will be a smooth evacuation drill. After all, the protocols are written, the roles are assigned, and the maps are on the wall. But once the alarm sounds, reality steps in: emotion, confusion, movement, noise, and stress all blend together — and suddenly the team sees what no tabletop exercise could ever reveal. Recently, one congregation we work

In today’s unpredictable world, having strong emergency response skills is essential. Whether you are a professional responder or a...

Last week, we were woken up in the middle of the night by the first siren of the war between Israel and Iran. You never forget a siren...

Applying for security grants is a crucial step in protecting Jewish institutions from rising threats. However, the process is highly...

There is something timeless about Passover. Each year, we sit around tables filled with matzah, wine, and the symbols of our ancestors’...

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, live streaming has become a staple for synagogues, allowing congregants to remain engaged even when...

I’ve been around summer camps for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that anything can happen. You plan for sunny days,...

In an era where cyber threats lurk behind every digital corner, safeguarding our Jewish communities extends far beyond physical security....

In times of uncertainty, the strength of a community lies in its ability to respond, adapt, and support one another. The Jewish Emergency...

From January to August 2024, the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project (JEPP) undertook an ambitious and comprehensive training...

As the new semester begins, college campuses across the country are once again becoming hubs of academic pursuit, social connection, and,...

As we approach the end of August, time is of the essence for nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania to secure funding for critical...

As the spring Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) season wraps up, summer offers an opportune moment for organizations to assess...

In today’s world, the importance of emergency preparedness in schools cannot be overstated. For school administrators, teachers, and...