After the shooting and tragic loss of life during Shabbat morning services in Poway, California last month, an artificial intelligence security company executive immediately ordered 100 such security systems. He then put out a request on a WhatsApp group for Chabad Houses to sign up to receive one, free of charge.
Within days, more than 100 Chabad houses signed up.
Miami Beach resident Ari Teman, 37, said his Teman GateGuard system, which ranges in price from $3,600 to $5,600 with monthly Internet-connection fees, does not replace a full-time security guard or a closed-circuit camera security system, but it is a low-cost start with significant value.
"We've given these units before to Chabad houses, and it's enabled the rabbis to leave the door locked and still give them the ability to let others get in the building while they are away," said Teman.
GateGuard is an Internet-enabled, virtually indestructible polycarbonate-and-solid-steel box that features a 10-inch touchscreen and camera with facial-recognition ability.
It also has a fob and card reader. It can be installed next to a doorway or embedded next to it. It functions like a doorman intercom that starts recording as a person begins interacting with it, and tracks entries and exits based on pin codes and video surveillance.
The system is deployed in more than 1,000 rental properties in New York City and was initially designed to prevent illegal sublets or other unlawful entry to multi-unit buildings. It is particularly successful at targeting nonprimary residences, preventing rent-controlled apartment abuse or other illegal activities.
Product designers are enabling a "Shabbos mode" on the device for the Chabad synagogue donations, and the screens can also post messages such as Shabbat candle-lighting times or directions to an event in a specific part of the building, explained Teman.
"I was inspired by the rabbi's words [Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg of Chabad of Poway]; this philosophy has carried me through so much. Here's an opportunity to not just go on social media and have a debate about guns, but rather, think about what we can do immediately to increase security and safety at Chabad institutions," he said.
Teman added that he felt the need to reach out to Chabad houses worldwide as a security professional and as a resource, and is setting up the capability to provide security resources for Chabad houses and synagogues as a philanthropic move.
Teman said he and his staff can also help synagogue personnel choose what to do in terms of applying for federal security grants.
"One of the biggest threats is people having a false sense of security or a panic button that has low response times," he continued. "It's not sufficient sometimes to have just one guard. Our package is just a start but can be a start in detecting patterns. You will have a clear picture of a person who is making repeated visits trying to get in or casing the place."
Teman reported that since 100-plus Chabad Houses have applied for the device, all the units ordered from his initial donation are spoken for.
This article is reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
