(Courtesy of Chabad of Hackensack) Earlier this month, Hackensack police held an active shooting training at Chabad of Hackensack.

Although this event was planned months in advance, its timing was perfect: less than 72 hours after the FBI in Newark issued a warning about “credible information of a broad threat to Synagogues in New Jersey.”

The presentation included active shooter scenario exercises and a discussion on how to get people to safety.

“Judaism places tremendous significance on saving lives,” said Rabbi Mendy Kaminker of Chabad of Hackensack in his opening remarks. “We pray and hope that we will never need to use this information, but being prepared for any situation and defending ourselves is, in fact, a mitzvah.”

The officers held a long discussion about the core concepts of run, hide and fight, and responded to many questions from the participants.

An interesting conversation ensued when one of the participants asked whether throwing a book can be a distraction for a perpetrator. “I understand that this is a sacred book, but I hope God will forgive you for throwing it,” the officer said.

“Not only God will forgive you, but you will also be doing a great mitzvah,” said Rabbi Kaminker. “Saving a life is one of the greatest mitzvot (commandments)!”

In a true Chabad fashion, when the rabbi discovered that one of the officers presenting was Jewish, he offered him the opportunity to wrap tefillin. This was a unique experience for the officer, who never had a chance to do this mitzvah before. The participants celebrated with him by singing and wishing him mazel tov.

“To me, this was such a beautiful way to connect the dots,” said Rabbi Kaminker. “Judaism is about being aware of all possible dangers, yet still living lives infused with joy and service of God. This event was about active shooter training, but it was a spontaneous celebration as well.”