I was honored when my friend Josh Centers asked me to write an introduction to this Jewish beginners guide to firearms. The info is not only for Jewish gun owners, but it’s a wonderful wonderful collection of solid advice and practical information for people looking to purchase a gun.
Unfortunately our history is filled with times when we were in danger for simply being Jews. There's the old joke about every holiday being distilled to, "They tried to kill us, they failed, let's eat."
Sadly we are facing another time of uncertainty, when antisemitism is being openly expressed and Jewish college students are barricading themselves from mobs.
If you or someone you know is concerned about your family's safety, investing in a firearm is a logical impulse. It can seem daunting, but with the excellent advice you'll find in this column and other places online, you can make an informed and safe decision about utilizing our God-given 2nd Amendment rights.
You can take classes from professionals at local shooting ranges to learn the basics. Don't hesitate to ask around at your shul or JCC, there's undoubtedly a growing number in your community who own firearms and will be happy to give you advice or even take you shooting.
Being prepared to defend yourself and your family is imperative to build a vibrant and sustainable Jewish community. Am Yisrael Chai.