Rabbi Vogel Blog

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 »

On Sunday July 22 the KOI group took another trip to PNC Park.    The attendees were not only the kids but the parents too.  They were able to relax and enjoy a day at a ballgame.  People who had never met before, understood no matter what they have been through it was a new beginning.  I was able to look around at the group and see people talking and laughing, just being able to have fun.

Prior to the game a friend was able to provide hotdogs, chips and bottled water for everyone.  Then before going into the stadium they were given their tickets and more water to keep hydrated.

After the game was over there were about 15 from our group who stood around giving each other hugs.  They did not care who… Read More »

Jimmy just left my office! And what a scary story!

I see a lot of ex inmates, people who have committed various crimes, people who are accused of committing various crimes and people who made mistakes which crossed into the criminal realm and have had to face the music.

But Jimmy’s story takes the cake.

Jimmy was referred to me by Rabbi Eli Siedman, who said Jimmy had a run in with the law twenty five years ago, and has had a problem finding a job! I offered to meet with him, and Jimmy was in my office two hours later.

Jimmy suffers from severe bi-polar and is mentally challenged, a hundred years ago he would have been a easy candidate for one of the state hospitals, however in today’s society given the right support there i… Read More »

I was interviewed by Essential Public Radio (NPR affiliate) yesterday with regards to ‘Ban the Box’ (http://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-06-07/ban-box-11348), the issue is crucial.

At Aleph our programs include helping those who get out of prison finding employment, without employment there can be no rehabilitation, in addition to allowing the individual to being able to pay his or her bills they have to be able to hold their head high, being a productive member in the community requires the individual to work and be able to live life as we know.

The government has to do more with reducing the liability exposure for employers. Expungement of criminal past should be more available and to a broader population, especia… Read More »

Prison in Pa after decades of growing are now hopefully going to be turning the tide, currently there are over 58,000 men and women in the state’s prisons, however due to the rising costs (over $74,000.00 a year to house those in the geriatric prison). Pennsylvania (both sides of the aisle) is now ready to change the way business has been done, it’s time to emphasize less the punishment and more the rehabilitation.

We at Aleph Institute, with over twenty years of working with this population, maintain that the focus has to be on rehabilitation, and that means working with the individual on case by case basis, holding their hands.

We work with the individual helping them with productive employment, housing, medical help, ensure… Read More »

Just another case where someone is incarcerated for a ridiculously long time, here this individual is not a threat to society.

Prison has become the easiest solution for all ills of society, at a terrible cost to the taxpayers and a great cost to the family of those incarcerated. The long term damage created by incarceration is incalculable the affects are for generations.

 This individual and society would be so much better off if he was sent for evaluation and ordered to partake in programs at a local faith based agency. He needs counseling and support.

The story is told of someone who came to the Rabbi and asked if it was permissible to use milk as a substitute for the four cups of wine on Passover, the Rabbi went and delivered s… Read More »

The Post Gazette reports today that the state is revisiting the whole sentencing guidelines and incarceration frenzy there has been for the last twenty or so years.

The Aleph Institute and other faith based agencies have a proven successful track record of lowering recidivism. This success rate is documented and recognized by the prison officials nationwide.

The courts should be encouraged and required to work with the community based agencies, as an alternative to imprisonment, or in more severe cases together with imprisonment.

Besides being financially more effective alternatives to imprisonment provide necessary rehabilitation of the individual, helping them become productive members of society. In addition it does not have t… Read More »