South Florida’s Jewish community is preparing to celebrate Sukkot, a holiday that represents joy, unity, and resilience — but we are doing so against the backdrop of an appalling rise in antisemitism.

This season is also marked by painful remembrance: Oct. 7, 2023, when Israel suffered the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. That tragedy is still fresh in our hearts and has underscored the urgent need for vigilance both in Israel and here at home.

Sukkot is a time when families gather, synagogues are full, and sukkahs are built in open spaces. Its beauty lies in togetherness and public visibility, but that visibility can also create vulnerability. Jewish institutions across the country have faced hostility unlike anything seen in generations.

Synagogues, schools, and community centers have responded with heightened security and closer coordination with law enforcement, yet personal awareness and responsibility are just as essential.

It’s also important to note that observance varies within the Jewish community. Orthodox Jews will not be using phones or electronics during the holiday, while Conservative, Reform, and unaffiliated Jews often do. Safety planning should reflect those differences, but our shared goal of vigilance and preparedness remains the same.

Common-Sense Safety Tips for Sukkot

Stay aware of your surroundings
For Jews who carry phones, avoid distractions when walking to and from services or sukkahs. For observant Jews who refrain from electronics, walking in groups and staying alert provides security.

Trust your instincts
Report anything suspicious – a stranger lingering, an unattended package, or a vehicle that seems out of place – to synagogue leaders, security, or law enforcement.

Travel smart
Walk in groups whenever possible, especially at night. Park in well-lit areas if driving, and for those who walk, pair up with neighbors or family members.

Practice digital awareness
For those who share online, avoid posting sukkah locations, service times, or live updates that could compromise safety. Save reflections and photos for after the holiday.

Invest in safety training
Situational awareness workshops, self-defense classes, and firearms safety training empower individuals to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies.

Care for one another
Offer to walk with elderly or vulnerable members of the community. Looking out for one another is one of the strongest safeguards.

Blending faith with preparedness

I am an NRA and USCCA certified firearms instructor in Fort Lauderdale and I have been working with synagogues and Jewish groups across South Florida to strengthen readiness.

Sukkot is a time of joy, but this year we must celebrate with both awareness and preparedness. Oct. 7 is a painful reminder that threats to Jewish life are real. I work with congregations on situational awareness, active shooter response, and home defense to give people the tools and confidence they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.

In that spirit, I am offering free two-hour Florida Concealed Carry Classes for Jewish community members through the end of October at Florida Gun & Gold. These classes are available daily, Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on a walk-in basis. They provide both the legal knowledge and practical foundation necessary for responsible concealed carry in Florida.

Faith, vigilance, and resilience

The Jewish people have endured centuries of trials and once again, we face a moment that calls for courage and unity. As we gather for Sukkot, a holiday that celebrates faith, shelter, and community, we must do so with both devotion and vigilance.

By combining tradition with preparedness and unity with resilience, our community can embrace this sacred holiday with strength, pride, and peace of mind.

Wishing all a Chag Sukkot Sameach!

David Kowalsky is an NRA and USCCA certified firearms instructor and consultant with Florida Gun & Gold, a Jewish family-owned business in Fort Lauderdale specializing in firearms, training, secure firearm storage, and gold.