We Build the Plan. You Lead with Confidence.
Our turnkey approach delivers a fully developed security framework - emergency plans, training systems, and operational guidance - so your team knows exactly what to do.
How We Help
Synagogue Security Strategies helps synagogues build practical, tailored security frameworks—whether starting from scratch or strengthening existing systems. We remove the burden of designing policies and procedures, delivering clear, right-sized solutions aligned with FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) priorities.
Our approach is designed to create clarity, confidence, and real ownership—not documents that sit unused.
We help leaders:
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Make informed, confident decisions
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Understand trade-offs and funding priorities
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Align security plans with FEMA NSGP requirements
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Build programs staff and volunteers can sustain
What We Do
Risk Assessment & Strategic Roadmap
A clear understanding of risk is the foundation of effective security.
We consolidate and translate existing assessments—from law enforcement, DHS, Federation, or private consultants—into a prioritized, actionable roadmap.
What this includes:
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Review of prior security assessments and reports
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Identification of key vulnerabilities and gaps
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Alignment with real-world operational conditions
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Prioritized action plan across personnel, procedures, and physical security
Outcome:
A practical, right-sized roadmap that connects risk to specific, achievable improvements.
Strong security requires more than ideas—it requires structure.
We design and implement clear, usable systems that define how your institution operates before, during, and after an incident.
What this includes:
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Emergency Management Plans (full, site-specific)
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Scenario-based response protocols (active threat, suspicious person, etc.)
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Access control procedures and entry management
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Coordination with guards and staff roles
Outcome:
A coordinated, well-defined system that reduces confusion and enables decisive action under pressure.
Security Planning & Implementation
Volunteer Security Team Development
Most synagogues rely on internal volunteers. Without structure, that creates risk. With structure, it becomes a powerful layer of protection.
We build organized, reliable internal teams that integrate with professional security and leadership.
What this includes:
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Defined roles and responsibilities
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Ongoing training development
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Training frameworks and onboarding structure
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Communication and escalation protocols
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Coordination with guards and law enforcement
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Guidance on governance considerations, including conceal carry policy where applicable
Outcome:
A confident, disciplined volunteer team that enhances security while supporting the broader system.
FEMA Grant Narrative Preparation
Ongoing Advisory
& Support
Security funding has become increasingly competitive. Generic applications no longer succeed.
We develop clear, compelling Investment Justifications (IJ) aligned with FEMA’s scoring criteria—ensuring your request reflects real risk and a structured plan.
What this includes:
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Full IJ narrative development (Threat, Vulnerability, Consequence)
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Alignment of projects with identified risks
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Project scoping, timelines, and implementation clarity
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Annual review and refinement for resubmission
Outcome:
A competitive, well-structured submission that significantly improves your chances of securing funding.
Security is not static. Conditions, risks, and operations evolve.
We provide ongoing guidance to help leadership make informed decisions and maintain effective systems over time.
What this includes:
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Monthly or as-needed advisory support
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Real-time guidance on emerging concerns
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Adjustments to plans, procedures, and staffing
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Support on FEMA-related updates, governance issues, and policy decisions
Outcome:
Sustained effectiveness, with the ability to adapt quickly and confidently as conditions change.
How It Works
1
We begin with a focused conversation to understand your institution, current security posture, and immediate concerns.
What we cover:
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Current security measures and gaps
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Prior assessments (if any)
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Leadership priorities and constraints
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Upcoming needs (events, Hebrew school, holidays)
2
Assessment & Strategic Plan
We translate risk into a structured, prioritized plan tailored to your institution.
What this includes:
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Review of existing assessments and conditions
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Identification of vulnerabilities across operations and access points
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Alignment with real-world staffing and layout
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Development of a practical, prioritized roadmap
3
Implementation & System Development
We help translate the plan into working systems your team can actually use.
What this includes:
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Emergency plans and scenario protocols
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Access control procedures
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Internal security team structure (Shomrim)
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Coordination with guards and law enforcement
4
Ongoing Advisory & Support
Security is not static. We provide ongoing guidance as conditions evolve.
What this includes:
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Periodic check-ins and updates
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Real-time input on emerging concerns
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Adjustments to plans, staffing, and procedures
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Support on FEMA grant strategy and governance questions
Our services are modular and flexible—allowing synagogues to address immediate priorities through individual offerings or expand over time into a more comprehensive, fully integrated security program as needs evolve.
What People Are Saying
Synagogue Security Strategies founder, David Oettinger developed a comprehensive, practical, layered security program for our shul that significantly enhanced our safety while aligning fully with FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant requirements. His work translated complex security needs into clear, actionable steps that were both effective and manageable.
—
Rabbi Mendel Solomon, Chabad at Short Hills
David Oettinger has been instrumental in securing our synagogue during a time of rising threats. What can feel overwhelming — guards, cameras, hardening, and grants— becomes clear and manageable with his guidance.
He is calm, organized, and extremely thorough. I highly recommend him.”
—
Marc Leibowitz, Security Committee Chair, Chabad at Short Hills
No initial cost. No pressure. Just a focused conversation about your situation.
Who We Serve
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Small and mid-sized congregations seeking practical, volunteer-friendly security solutions
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Large synagogues and campuses with professional staff and multiple facilities
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Boards, professional staff, and volunteer security committees
We provide strategic security advisory services to synagogues of every denomination and size.