‘Shomrim’ Offer Emergency ‘Shul Phone’ at Under $200

Photo Credit: Panassonic website

The Shomrim organization is offering a “shul phone” that cuts short the process of reporting an emergency, the NY Post reported Saturday.

The phone, which appears to be a desk phone that comes with a downsized speed-dial list, connects callers to 911, the local Shomrim hotline, or the local Hatzolah hotline.

The idea is to make things simple in case of an emergency, so callers would have a limited list of options; also, the phone is intended for use on Shabbat, when members of the congregation don’t carry their cellphones.

The new phone will be offered at cost, at under $200. According to the Post, as many as 200 synagogues have already expressed an interest.