A Silver Spring synagogue and one of its rabbis have asked a federal appeals court to block part of Montgomery County’s restrictions on carrying firearms near houses of worship, arguing that the law prevents congregants from providing armed security.
On Tuesday, November 10, the Silver Spring Jewish Center and Rabbi Menashe Shapiro, represented by the religious liberty law firm Becket and the New Civil Liberties Alliance, filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
The challenge centers on a Montgomery County ordinance restricting firearms inside and within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including houses of worship.
According to Becket, a federal district court previously blocked enforcement of the restrictions inside the synagogue but left the 100-yard restriction in place. The synagogue argues that the remaining restriction prevents members of its security team from legally carrying firearms onto the property.
The Silver Spring Jewish Center says it has faced increased security concerns since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. According to the organization, a congregant was assaulted outside the building in 2024, and an individual more recently attempted to break into the synagogue overnight.
The synagogue has developed a security plan that includes building improvements, security training and an armed security team. Shapiro, who is part of that team, argues that the restrictions violate both Second Amendment protections and religious freedom.
“Our synagogue has long been a sanctuary for Jews to worship, pray, and gather in peace,” said Rabbi Yaakov Greiniman of the Silver Spring Jewish Center. “As the scourge of antisemitic violence grows more widespread and brazen, we have a sacred duty to defend our congregation.”
Attorneys for the synagogue are asking the appeals court to block enforcement of the 100-yard restriction while the legal challenge continues.
The case, Silver Spring Jewish Center v. Montgomery County, remains ongoing. The request is not a final ruling on the constitutionality of the County’s firearm restrictions.
