Synagogue attack puts Jewish community on edge

The Texas synagogue attack has put the Jewish community on high alert, highlighting safety and security trainings.

Recent attacks on Jewish institutions -- including the 10-hour-long hostage situation at a synagogue in Texas on Jan. 15 -- have cast a dark shadow on the simple act of walking into a Jewish institution.

The faith-based attacks have forced community leaders to prioritize security and safety precautions to maintain their ability to pray, congregate and practice their faith, Eric Fingerhut, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, told ABC News.

"This is not new," Fingerhut said. "This has been a particularly violent period of attacks on Jewish institutions and on Jewish community."

On Jan. 15, an armed suspect that claimed to have bombs took a rabbi and three others hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who was held hostage, told reporters that his training with the Jewish-led security training organization Secure Community Network helped get his congregants out safely.