2027 Annual Symposium

 

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Program: 

 

Last Years Conference

 

2025 Symposium took place on May 11, 2025

Please check back for details as they are updated

Please read about the past Symposiums:

Aleph Institute 16th Annual “Second Chance” Symposium

(Symposium takes place on Pesach Sheini - 'second chance')

 

Symposium is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Barry Lembersky

 

13 Iyar, 5785 - May 11, 2025

At 7:00 PM

at:

Chabad of Pittsburgh, 1700 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 

 

Join us to learn more about our work in the criminal justice system, the ways the justice system affects every community in the United States, and the impact the Aleph Institute has on the community here in Pittsburgh. Learn how we can change the lives of incarcerated people, and what we as a society can do to bring change to a system in desperate need of rebuilding. 

Through this event, we connect attendees to resources around western Pennsylvania that assist currently and formerly incarcerated people. We also support and congratulate our volunteers, who dedicate endless hours to help those who so often have no one else to turn to. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Rabbi Yossi Friedman, who has served as a Shliach and community Rabbi in Birmingham, Alabama, since 1993.

Rabbi Friedman also serves as a chaplain in Federal, state, and county prisons across Alabama, including the Federal Prison in Montgomery, known for housing several high-profile inmates over the years.

Renowned for his wisdom and compassion, Rabbi Friedman is a trusted advisor to many. His thoughtful guidance has helped numerous couples strengthen their relationships through gentle and insightful marriage counseling. His engaging Torah classes are a cornerstone of the Birmingham Jewish community and are cherished by participants of all ages.

 

Program: 

  • Marty Davis, Aleph Institute Chairman, Welcome (video coming soon)
  • Lighting of candle in memory of Barry Lembersky - Mrs. Lembersky 
  • 'Chaplain of the year award' to Rabbi Tzvi Perlman 
  • Rev. Aaron Reitz, PA Department of Corrections, Greetings. (video coming soon)
  • Dr. Mike Davis, Ohio Department of Corrections, Greetings. (video coming soon)
  • Mr. Nate Simon, PA Parole. (video coming soon)
  • Allegheny County Controller, Corey O'Connor 
  • Keynote Speaker: Rabbi Yossi Friedman (video coming soon)
  • Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, The Aleph Institute. (video coming soon)

 

2024 Symposium Program:

  • Marty Davis, Aleph Institute Chairman, Welcome Watch
  • Lighting of candle in memory of Barry Lembersky
  • Awards to Rabbi Yisroel Pfeffer Watch
  • Rev. Ulli Klemm, PA Department of Corrections, Greetings. Watch
  • Dr. Mike Davis, Ohio Department of Corrections, Greetings. Watch
  • Mr. Brian Helfrich, Regional Director PA Parole remarks. 
  • Keynote: Mr. Marshall Dayan, Esq. Watch
  • Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, The Aleph Institute.

2023 Symposium Program:

  • Marty Davis, Aleph Institute Chairman, Welcome (watch)
  • Rev. Ulli Klemm, PA Department of Corrections, Greetings. (watch)
  • Dr. Mike Davis, Ohio Department of Corrections, Greetings. (watch)
  • Mr. Brian Helfrich, Regional Director PA Parole remarks. (watch)
  • Rabbi Yisroel (Joel) Pfeffer, Esq. (watch)
  • Keynote: The Honorable Judge,  W. Scott Hardy (watch)
  • Fred Sims, What Aleph Institute means to the men and women incarcerated and the help during re-entry. (watch)
  • Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, The Aleph Institute.