With the holiest days in Judaism approaching and nearly one year after the Hamas attack on Israel, Bay Area synagogues are on high alert.
Last year, Rabbi Mark Bloom’s biggest worry was finding enough chairs for the High Holidays. This year, it’s making sure every door is locked twice.
“This past year has undoubtedly been the most challenging I’ve ever had to face as a rabbi,” he told CBS News Bay Area.
With the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack coinciding with Judaism’s holiest days, anxiety at Oakland’s Temple Beth Abraham is at an all-time high.
“I wake up at night thinking about it still. I think about what if I was taken hostage. I have nightmares about it. I think it’s changed the relationships I have with people,” said congregant Elan Masliyah.
For the anniversary, Bloom is increasing security, adding extra guards with additional support from the city’s police department.
The FBI issued a warning that the coming October 7 anniversary , could inspire “violent attacks” within the U.S.