local synagogue where many West Essex students are congregants, received a bomb threat on Nov. 18. The tip was called into the Caldwell police station and they arrived immediately on the scene. The police department, with assistance from other area police departments and the sheriff’s department, swept the building and did not find any danger.
The threat came in during religious services on Shabbat, the Jewish weekly day of rest, a day when many people pray at synagogue and refrain from work or technology use. Because of its timing, people were even more shocked and horrified. Many congregants were unaware of the situation until much later. Everyone was evacuated from the building so that the police could investigate.
Although not confirmed, some assume this bomb threat to be that of an antisemitic attack, one that aligns with the extreme rise in antisemitism in the United States and worldwide. The Anti-Defamation League, an organization that tracks antisemitic incidents worldwide, reported that so far in 2023 “incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault increased by 388 percent over the same period last year.”
Students said this situation made global antisemitism feel so much closer to home, especially for students who are congregants at Agudath and have spent much of their lives at the synagogue.
“[It] was very scary,” freshman Ellie Holinstat said. “I can’t even fathom the temple not being there because I have gone there my whole life.”
Once outside, congregants gathered in the parking lot across the street. While fear was rampant, congregants kept spirits high. They joined together in song, bringing light to a time of darkness and worry.
As the congregants stood out in the November cold, the synagogue’s neighbors jumped into action. Residents came out of their homes to offer chairs or warm drinks.
The Caldwell United Methodist Church next door allowed the community to continue their service in the church sanctuary while police were investigating. The church and synagogue have a long-standing relationship; the church in the past has allowed the synagogue to use its space for Jewish high holiday services. The congregation continued their service in the sanctuary, reading from the stories that both faiths share.
“We have always had a beautiful relationship with our neighbors,” education director Susan Werk said. “The Methodist Church has always been our best friend on the block. Together we have supported each other in times of challenges and joy.”
In a letter to the congregation, synagogue leadership assured the congregation of safety. Congregation president Matt Fisher, Senior Rabbi Ari Lucas and Executive Director Lina Shuster tried to encourage congregants not to allow this to change their attendance or involvement.
“Sadly, these kinds of experiences have become increasingly common at Jewish institutions,” they said. “We had prepared for this scenario and everything went about as smoothly as we could have expected. We will continue to show up for shul and for each other.”
