The Center for Jewish Life (CJL) has implemented new security features going into the 2019–2020 academic year, including 24/7 locked prox-access entrances, a video intercom system for visitors, security guards during Shabbat and holiday dinners, and panic buttons installed throughout the building.
In an email sent to students on Aug. 9, CJL Executive Director Rabbi Julie Roth wrote, “These enhanced security measures are in alignment with both the expanded measures taken at the University and security increases at Jewish institutions worldwide.”
Many synagogues have taken actions that mirror the CJL’s, some even hiring armed guards. These security updates are likely a response to an uptick in violent attacks on Jewish prayer spaces, worldwide and especially in the United States. 2018 saw the third-highest number of domestic attacks on the Jewish community in nearly five decades.
One issue relating to the CJL’s new security system pertains to Shabbat-observing students who are unable to use technology each week during Shabbat, including swiping or tapping their proxes. Prior to this change, entrances to the CJL were almost always unlocked, and students did not need proxes to enter the building.
Now, Shabbat-observing students are given the option of carrying a mechanical key to the CJL, in addition to the “Shabbat key” that they had always received for opening their own dorm rooms.
“My general experience is that it’s not much of a change. Most places you hang out are locked by prox access anyways, so there’s really no difference,” said Nathan Finkle ’21. “For me, the biggest change would be just having to unlock the door every time I walk in, losing five seconds of my life, which is a small price to pay for greater security.”
According to Roth, the CJL worked “in coordination with Princeton University Public Safety” to carefully select the new safety measures.
“Among several suggestions including emergency preparedness training, one recommendation was to install a card access system,” Roth wrote to The Daily Princetonian in an email statement.
University Public Safety deferred all comments to the Office of Communications, which deferred comment to Roth.
According to Finkle, an unintended consequence of the security measures may be that some students may feel deterred from visiting the CJL.
“I think it’s possible that a security guard standing out front might be a little intimidating, and that’s the opposite of what we want,” Finkle said. “Anyone who spends a lot of time in the CJL would want anyone else to know that they’re always welcome.”
Roth addressed this concern in an email to students, writing, “Students are always welcome at [the] CJL, and we are continually trying to balance access and safety.”
Multiple members of the CJL Student Board declined to interview when asked for comment by the ‘Prince.’
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