From January to August 2024, the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project (JEPP) undertook an ambitious and comprehensive training initiative that reached over 1,180 participants across diverse Jewish institutions, including day schools, synagogues, summer camps, and other Jewish organizations. The participants ranged from executive staff, board members, and teachers to volunteers and counselors. The training went beyond basic instructions, focusing on providing tailored, hands-on tools to meet the unique security needs of each organization. The numbers alone—36 on-site training sessions and 17 vulnerability assessment reports—tell part of the story. However, the real impact lies in the way JEPP has engaged participants in thinking not just about individual safety but about communal responsibility during emergencies.
Tailored Training for Varied Audiences
In every community JEPP visited, the training sessions were customized to address specific concerns and dynamics. Whether at camps like Pinemere and Perlman, which trained 90 and 100 counselors respectively, or schools like Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore, where 160 teachers participated, the focus was clear: preparing each institution to act cohesively in times of crisis. The emphasis on practical, hands-on learning distinguishes these sessions from conventional training programs. Rather than delivering generic instructions, JEPP equips participants with the tools they need to respond in real-world scenarios, from health emergencies and natural disasters to potential terrorist attacks.
Each workshop went beyond theoretical exercises. Participants were guided through various crisis scenarios, including bomb threats, active shooter situations, and natural disasters. But the real value came in the discussions about community dynamics. At Lower Merion Synagogue, 30 board members learned how to coordinate efforts during a crisis, shifting the focus from individual action to group responsibility. “It’s not about what I should do as a person, but what I should do as a community member,” is a sentiment JEPP emphasizes in every session.
A New Perspective on Preparedness
For many participants, the training sessions marked a shift in how they understood their role in an emergency. One teacher from Knesset Israel (KI), with 18 years of experience, noted how this session stood out from others she had attended over the years. “I’ve been through several trainings, but this one was different. It was more practical and interactive, and for the first time, I really understand what I need to do in an emergency,” she explained. Her experience illustrates how JEPP’s unique approach to hands-on, situation-based training resonates even with seasoned professionals, offering them a new perspective on crisis management.
Holistic Vulnerability Assessments
Complementing the training sessions, JEPP conducted vulnerability assessments at 17 Jewish institutions, identifying potential weak spots and offering solutions tailored to each facility’s needs. These assessments, carried out across organizations like the Jewish Relief Agency in Philadelphia and B’nai Abraham Chabad in Philadelphia, are a vital part of JEPP’s holistic approach. By providing these reports, JEPP ensures that institutions not only train their staff but also enhance their infrastructure to withstand threats.
Leading the Way in Crisis Readiness
What sets JEPP apart is its unwavering commitment to building resilient communities, rather than simply teaching protocols. Institutions like B’nai Abraham Chabad, with its 25 teachers, and camps like Camp Havaya, which trained 100 counselors, received training that empowered them to take proactive steps towards securing their future. The goal isn’t just to react to a crisis but to anticipate it, plan for it, and ensure every community member understands their role.
JEPP’s work in the last eight months has been groundbreaking, not just because of the numbers trained or the assessments completed but because it represents a shift in how Jewish institutions approach emergency preparedness. It’s not just about safety; it’s about strengthening the very fabric of the community, ensuring everyone is ready to act when it matters most. If you need more information or would like to connect, please use this link:
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