Norwalk and Bridgeport police have stepped up security at city synagogues following the mass shooting in Pittsburgh.

Normal weekend activities continued at B'nai Israel on Park Avenue in Bridgeport as police were seen guarding the house of worship.

Rabbi James Prosnit and prominent members of the Jewish community condemned the fatal shooting that left 11 dead. They also honored the victims of the attack by name.

Local officials were also at the service before going to take part in a vigil at the Conservative Synagogue in Westport.

Rabbi Prosnit met with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim Sunday to discuss everything from security to the long-term implications of the massacre in Pittsburgh.

Prosnit said it’s particularly disturbing was that one of the victims killed was a 97-year-old woman.

"What's taking place in our society that's making this period of hate so viral?" asked the rabbi.

Sen. Blumenthal suggested an answer.

"Some of the top political leaders of this country have engaged in the kind of dehumanizing or demagogic rhetoric that simply encourages the worst in us,” he said. "When one of us, when one religion or race is singled out, we're all susceptible."

Mayor Ganim ordered special security for all of the city's synagogues.

"We'll do all that we can to support our friends here in Bridgeport and the Jewish community particularly at this time of mourning,” he said.

In spite of all the grief, Rabbi Prosnit said this is no time to back down.

"There is a real vulnerability that people are feeling these days but that type of fear can't get in the way of living our lives,” he said.