Rabbi Vogel Blog

Big News from Pennsylvania’s State Prisons

We are excited to share an important development: chapels throughout Pennsylvania’s state prison system now have displays filled with Words of Inspiration for Jewish inmates.

These pamphlets contain short, uplifting messages and teachings from the Torah—words of faith, encouragement, and hope for people who may be going through some of the most difficult and lonely moments of their lives.

For someone sitting in prison, separated from family and community and sometimes struggling to see a hopeful future, a few words of inspiration can make a tremendous difference. They remind a person that they are not forgotten, their life still has purpose, and their future can still b… Read More »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miriam's Center Bulletin — Yesterday's Highlights

Pittsburgh, PA — July 15, 2026

Yesterday was a full day at Miriam's Center, where two dedicated programs and an evening lecture brought together mothers, toddlers, and community members for support, connection, and encouragement.

The morning session welcomed eight mothers and their toddlers for a program built around conversation, emotional support, and structured playtime. Gatherings like these respond to a well-documented need: single mothers nationally face a poverty rate of 31.3 percent, nearly six times the 5.5 percent rate for married-couple families, according to 2024 Census Bureau data analyzed by the Center for American P… Read More »

 There is so much pain and suffering out there, at Aleph Institute we are an address they can turn to, we hear their cries, we are here to provide support and strength. 

The Shifra Shed: Providing Hope in Challenging Times

One of the greatest blessings of community work is seeing firsthand how acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Recently, we received a heartfelt note from a family that utilizes the Shifra Shed, our community kosher food assistance program. Their words serve as a powerful reminder of why this work is so important:

"Many many thanks and blessings to you/Aleph for the Shifra Shed. In these tough economic times of increasing costs, especially for food items, it has made feeding and caring for my kids nigh impossible, stretching the budget past the breaking point. Having a place with fresh and available kosher food items available has been a … Read More »

Every day, we receive letters from incarcerated individuals seeking help as they prepare to return to society. Behind each letter is a person hoping for a second chance—a father wanting to reconnect with his children, a mother looking for stable housing, or an individual determined to overcome addiction, find employment, and build a productive future.

These letters remind us that successful reentry does not begin on the day of release; it begins while a person is still incarcerated. Guidance, mentorship, education, family support, and practical assistance are essential to reducing recidivism and helping individuals become contributing members of their communities.

At the Aleph Institute, we work with inmates and their families throu… Read More »

This year, I was named in a federal lawsuit arising from concerns about religious services available to an incarcerated individual.

After reviewing the complaint, the federal court dismissed all claims against me with prejudice and ordered that I be removed from the case. The court determined that the claims could not proceed against me under the legal theories presented.

For me, this case highlights an important reality of prison ministry and advocacy work. Those who work to assist incarcerated individuals and their families often become involved in difficult and complex situations. While disagreements and legal challenges can arise, our commitment remains the same: to help ensure that individuals have access to religious support… Read More »

When a parent comes home from incarceration, reconnecting with their children is one of the most important — and most fragile — parts of rebuilding a family. Courts often require that early visits be supervised, and for good reason. But here's the hard truth: more than half of incarcerated parents nationwide have never had a single in-person visit with their children, even though research shows that maintaining that bond helps reduce the chances of returning to prison.

For families in the Orthodox Jewish community, finding a supervised visitation space that also respects religious and cultural needs can be especially hard to come by.

That's why, for the past several months, Aleph Institute's Miriam Center has been offe… Read More »

Yesterday was a very disappointing reminder of how important preparation, communication, and collaboration are within the justice system.

As part of our Alternative Sentencing Program, one of our volunteer attorneys appeared in court on behalf of a client after months of involvement and advocacy in the case. Despite repeated efforts over approximately three months to communicate with the assigned Public Defender prior to the hearing, our volunteer was unable to establish meaningful contact before court.

Unfortunately, when court convened, it appeared there had been very limited preparation on the defense side. The only proposal presented was that the client should simply pay the full amount of restitution and have the matter resol… Read More »

This week, we were deeply engaged in two alternative sentencing cases—both unique, both requiring extensive behind-the-scenes advocacy, and both resulting in outcomes that spared incarceration and opened the door to brighter futures for the individuals involved.

Programs such as these are not only compassionate; they are effective. Research from the The Pew Charitable Trusts has highlighted troubling national recidivism rates, with many individuals returning to the justice system after incarceration. Yet when intensive intervention, accountability, and strong community support are present, outcomes improve dramatically. Alternative sentencing programs built around structure, treatment, and mentorship can profoundly reduce rec… Read More »

Great news with the new policy which goes into effect immediately. with new guidelines for PA parole violations.  

Read more: https://reformalliance.com/press-release/sb838-in-effect/  

http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/6295320-74/dunn-jail-lerner#axzz34vuQ4i9x

We see regularly individuals who should not be incarcerated in the county jails, ending up there for long periods of time due to a system breakdown. 

In this week’s Torah Portion ‘Chukas’ we are told of the passing of Miriam, through whose merits the well of water which brought sustenance to the Jewish people – hence the name ‘Miriams well’ – ended with her passing.

The Torah continues that Moshe (Moses) seeing that there was no much needed water, took it on himself to pursue that issue as the Jewish people needed water.

The Rabbis teach us, that although Moshe had his primary work cut out – as the leader of the Jewish people he had his work cut out – however, if there was a need not being met i.e. there was no water it was his responsibility.

At Aleph Institute we meet the needs of water and shelter daily for those re-ente… Read More »