fear

[cellio]

Apparently, last Friday night FBI agents visited several synagogues and told people to lock their doors during services. I am curious whether they also visited mosques and churches during worship services. I haven't heard of this happening at synagogues Saturday morning, by the way, and for many congregations that would be the larger gathering.

It reminds me of last September. As the high holy days and the anniversary of 9/11 both approached, a few people asked me how I could possibly consider going to services and being a target. Excuse me while I decline to panic. If we refuse to go on with our lives and do the things that are important, which for me include worshipping in my community, then the terrorists and fear-mongers will have won. And if a synagogue has ushers who greet people as they come in, I personally think that's a better compromise than locking the doors. There is a continuum from "reckless" to "paranoid", and the correct point is somewhere in the middle.

And while we're talking about extreme responses to fear... the folks at FEMA have apparently suggested that Americans stock up on plastic sheeting and duct tape, so we can seal ourselves into our houses in the event of a chemical attack. Here's a wonderful response (link provided by chite).

Comments

I wanted to say...

[sf-rose.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad the shiva minyan went well... It sounds like it was a little nerve wracking but that it went smoothly.

As for living in fear, other than taking the normal precautions, I plan on attending services per usual. I've not heard any warnings in our neck of the woods (though we have a very small shul, about 200 families), but I'm sure the larger temples have.