Many people are troubled by the need for security at synagogues, Jewish institutions, and community events, viewing it as yet another burden imposed by the rise of antisemitism. A “tax on the Jews.”
While we can understand that feeling, perhaps there is more to security than protection alone.
In some ways, it is an honor to have protection at the entrance to a potentially vulnerable location. We see this at important institutions around the world. Buckingham Palace, for example, has guards stationed at its gates not only for security, but also as a sign of dignity and respect. Their presence communicates that this is a place of significance.
This idea appears in this week's Torah portion, Korach. The tribe of Levi was commanded to stand watch over the entrances of the Holy Temple. The purpose was twofold: to ensure that unauthorized individuals did not enter this sacred space, and to honor the Temple through the very presence of those guarding it.
Interestingly, although there were thirteen entrances to the Temple, only five were guarded by Levites, and two by the Kohanim. The remaining entrances did not require guards because they were not considered primary entryways.
The question is asked, if it was the job of the Levites to guard the entrances, why were two of them protected differently?
The commentators offer two perspectives that ultimately converge into a single insight.
First, since these entrances were overseen by Kohanim who stood watch within those areas. The entrances were considered protected, just not by Levites.
Second, because the Kohanim were already present inside these sacred chambers, and the rooms themselves were guarded. Their presence provided that honor and therefore, there was no need for a guard to stand outside.
The distinction is subtle but meaningful. Does guarding a space require standing at the entrance, or can someone inside the space also be considered a sentinel?
Generally speaking, protection is most effective when positioned outside the area being guarded. But when the space itself is holy and those inside are already standing watch, the emphasis shifts. The guard's role becomes less about protection and more about honoring the sanctity of the place.
This distinction helps us better understand another mitzvah: the mezuzah.
When we affix a mezuzah to our doorpost, it serves as a form of spiritual protection. Yet that is not its only purpose. A mezuzah is also a declaration of identity and pride. It tells the world that a Jewish home stands here.
This dual purpose affects many of the halachic discussions regarding which rooms require a mezuzah. Is the mezuzah there primarily for protection, or is it there to confer honor and define the significance of the space? The answer often depends on which aspect is being emphasized.
Just as the guards at the Temple served both to protect and to honor a sacred space, the mezuzah serves a dual purpose as well. It offers spiritual protection while proudly proclaiming the Jewish identity of the home.
At a time when Jewish security is so visible, it is worth remembering that protection and pride are not opposing ideas. Sometimes the very measures that protect us also express who we are and what we value. In a world where being openly Jewish can require courage, the mezuzah reminds us to do more than protect our homes, it reminds us to proudly affirm our identity and the sanctity of the Jewish life within.
Shabbat Shalom