Over the Labor Day weekend, a synagogue in Reno, Nevada was defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti, including a threat against the life of Rabbi Menashe Bovit. Last spring, the synagogue was attacked with Molotov cocktails. Why has this synagogue been attacked more often than others in Reno? It is in plain view on a well-traveled street, which is more than enough of an invitation to those who hate the Jews in Reno.



In Reno, the local Chabad doesn't advertise where their synagogue is located, and the Reform synagogue is located on a dead-end street with no signs directing those looking for the building. The truth is, one cannot freely practice Judaism in most of northern Nevada.



After the attack, Rabbi Bovit was quoted as saying something extraordinary and important: "One can't completely let their guard down, but I'm definitely willing and prepared to defend myself, too. I'm not a pacifist. Any Jew who's a pacifist after the Holocaust is a fool," he said.



He's right. I know what it is like to spend my nights with two loaded shotguns under my bed, how it feels to have my tires slashed two or three times in a month, what it is like to be attacked in the local paper, and harassed at my job -- simply for being a Jew in Northern Nevada. But I also had to thank G-d that I was aware of the anti-Semitism, that it was palpable and known to me, so that I could be prepared.



I worry that most Jews in the United States have become too secure and too arrogant in their assumptions regarding their safety in and out of the synagogue to adequately prepare themselves for the enduring, powerful hatred of others. There are too many pacifists, who assume they can rely on local law enforcement or their neighbors to protect them. But often, law enforcement can come to late and neighbors don't want to get involved.



If we truly want to choose life, if we really want to be around to fulfill the mitzvot, we must be wary of those who have made it their business to hate us. As Jonathan Berstein, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in Reno said, "Unfortunately, there's a sizable minority in every community that has a deep-seated hatred for Jews."



Jews in Israel already know what it is like to live every day on guard, and even with extensive preparation, they are often the victims of suicidal terrorists who sneak under fences and through unlocked doors to kill and maim. Who are we to think that we can worship with almost no preparation and feel safe? Isn't it our responsibility to take notice of the knowledge and experience of Israelis and understand that we must take defensive action to protect our communities?



Too many US Jews live in comfortable enclaves of Jewishness and they believe that the activities of those who hate us will never touch them; or they hide behind large suburban houses, mini-vans and assimilation, sure that they are protected from the same threats that pursued their grandparents. These Jews think they are safe, but they aren't. They underestimate the tenacity of those who hate us, and many are unprepared to face the dangers that stalk us all. It is important for them to heed the words of Rabbi Bovit and realize that one must never let their guard down, even for a moment. Especially right now.



As we move into the High Holy Days, please think of your safety and the safety of others in the synagogue where you go to pray, in the social halls where you go to gather and in your own homes. Have a plan.



Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it. Know the nearest door to your seat and how to get to it, even in the dark. Know where the natural gas valve is in case of fire, and how to turn it off. Have everyone take notice of strangers lurking around the synagogue in cars or on foot and report those activities. Make sure evacuation plans are posted, accessible and you know what they are. Ask to see your synagogue's plan for emergencies; and if there is no plan, please encourage them to make one. Insist that there is someone in charge of securing sacred objects, someone designated to assist children, and a plan for evacuation of the disabled and the elderly (especially if there are stairs in your synagogue).



In some synagogues, there are one or two people who have the rabbi's permission to carry a handgun into the sanctuary, even on Shabbat and Yamim Tovim, in order to protect the community. If that is not an option in your community, remember a loaded fire extinguisher is a very good weapon when pointed in the right direction, siddurim can become effective missiles when thrown by enough people at the same target, and the desk where you pray is a good place to take refuge.



If you think I am trying to scare you, I am. Fear is a gift from G-d that not only helps us to repent during these Days of Awe, but prepares us against harm in our future. It is important to remember that we are responsible to protect our communities, our friends and ourselves as much as we humanly can. Even if you don't own or plan to own a gun to protect yourself or your family, at least arm yourself with knowledge - and a good supply of pepper spray. Remember, a well-armed Jew is nobody's fool.