Rabbi's Mission: Bringing Hope to Jewish Inmates Across America

In Europe and America, Jewish communities often find some form of support—even when not publicly visible. However, this changes dramatically in spaces like military bases, hospitals, and notably, prisons. In these environments, Jewish religious needs frequently go unrecognized and unmet. The Aleph Institute has taken on this challenge, employing hundreds of rabbis who visit prisons weekly, bridging the gap for Jewish prisoners across the U.S. Aleph not only fosters spiritual connections but has also been pivotal in saving lives from death sentences. The organization, founded in 1985 by Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar, was created to provide humanitarian assistance and religious services to Jewish inmates and service members. "We traveled to Florida as emissaries of the Rebbe in Miami Beach," shares Rabbi Lipskar. "The Rebbe blessed us profoundly and expressed his presence with us in Yiddish, 'עיך פער מיט אייך' — I am traveling with you." Rabbi Lipskar established a Jewish presence in a prominent European capital, founding a major Jewish center at a cost of over ten million dollars, complete with educational institutions and kosher facilities. On founding the Aleph Institute, Rabbi Lipskar recalls a gathering where the Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized bringing joy and light into prisoners' lives, spurring him to action. The Rebbe directly contributed $3000, laying the foundation for what would become Aleph. Aleph successfully transformed the perception of Jewish inmates, promoting their value and unique identity across the nation with top legal teams and unwavering faith. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Katz, a key leader in Florida, details their operations: "Aleph provides social services and religious resources, aiding both inmates and their families post-incarceration, ensuring reintegration into communities." Katz focuses solely on offering support, aware that merely serving time doesn’t reform individuals. The organization’s recognized status with prison authorities eases bureaucratic challenges, allowing for kosher food and religious items like *tefillin* where typical restrictions apply. "We prepare for Passover starting at Chanukah," Katz explains, describing the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles faced in distributing *matzah*, grape juice, and Seder materials across 400 prisons nationwide. Aleph coordinates personal visits, essential for isolated inmates often neglected by family due to the stigma of incarceration. They engage with over 5,000 prisoners, including organizing *bar mitzvahs*, weddings, and honoring inmates' wishes for Jewish burials, giving them dignity even in dire circumstances. Katz shares moving accounts where prison has been a portal to Jewish identity and learning. From creating vibrant Jewish experiences in prison to guiding newly released individuals toward religious observance, Aleph’s impact is profound. During COVID-19, Aleph distributed tablets and audio players for inmates to access educational content, maintaining a lifeline to Jewish life when physical access to prisons was restricted. Rabbi Katz’s personal commitment, epitomized by organizing a circumcision inside a prison for a committed convert, underscores Aleph's far-reaching influence. Their legal arm strives diligently to release prisoners from life-threatening conditions in foreign institutions, often in collaboration with global leaders. "Our efforts with Rabbi Rubashkin’s release is one of many examples of triumph against the odds," Katz reflects. Yet, faced with loss, such as a Jewish inmate sentenced to death despite exhaustive efforts, the emotional toll lingers for Katz. In the face of failed interventions, he recalls providing spiritual support in an inmate’s final moments, a testament to Aleph’s mission: to bring hope, no matter the circumstances.