B"H

2026 Conference Schedule

 

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 

 

12:00-1:30 Lunch & Welcome 

 

1:30- 2:30 Breakout Sessions 

PA DOC REP–Rev. Ulli Klemm, Director of Religious Services, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.  Issues facing incarcerated Jewish men and women. Concerns you would like to see addressed, for the holidays or throughout the year.

OHIO DOC REP- Dr. Mike Davis, Director of Religious Services, Ohio Department of Corrections:   Issues facing incarcerated Jewish men and women. Concerns you would like to see addressed, for the holidays or throughout the year.

 

2:30- 2:45 Break 

 

2:45- 3:30 Rabbi Chaim Itkin, Kashrus Administrator – Vaad Horabonim of Pittsburgh “Kosher in Prison”

Recent developments in the kashrus world have made kosher supervision more complex, as modern food production and new technologies require greater oversight and fewer assumptions about what is inherently kosher. For a rabbi working in a prison, this means balancing proper halachic standards with practical limitations, focusing on clear, achievable guidance such as relying on certified foods when possible and avoiding clearly non-kosher items. The goal is to help individuals maintain a sustainable level of observance while strengthening their sense of identity and commitment. In this evolving landscape, Rabbi Itkin—who brings over a decade of experience in kashrus—has assumed leadership of the Vaad Horabonim Kashrus Department following the passing of his father, positioning him to guide others with clarity and responsibility.

 

3:30 – 3:45 Break

 

3:45-4:30 Dr. Laura Ellman, LSCW “MENTAL HEALTH – SELF CARE”

Rabbis who serve in difficult settings—such as prisons or other emotionally heavy environments—often carry the weight of others’ pain and suffering throughout the day. To remain effective and healthy, it is essential to develop tools that create emotional boundaries, allowing them to care deeply without internalizing everything they encounter. This includes setting aside time to decompress, maintaining a strong routine of davening and personal reflection, and engaging in supportive conversations with trusted colleagues or mentors. Approaching each day with purpose, while recognizing one’s limits, helps preserve both strength and clarity. By cultivating resilience, a rabbi can continue to uplift others while returning home with the presence, energy, and peace needed for their own family.

 

4:30 Picture in front of Aleph 

 

5:00 - 6:30 Dinner

6:30- 7:00 Symposium Reception -  at: Chabad of Pittsburgh, 1700 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

 

7:00- 9:00 Symposium

 

Monday, May 4th, 2026

 

8:30 - 9:15 am Breakfast 

 

9:15 -10:45 am Nate Simon – Director PA Board of Probation

Developments at PA Parole: issues the Rabbis should know as they work with men and women; concerns the Parole have when interviewed, the fear in the community of increased antisemitism, and how it is being addressed by Parole.

 

10:45 - 11:15 am Break 

 

11:15 - 12:30 pm Rabbi Shimon Silver

Working with other Jewish and non-Jewish groups in the prison, what is and what is not permissible. When is it avodah zorah, when not.

 

12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch 

 

1:30 - 3:00 Mr. David Korman, Esq.   Aleph Institute legal advocate.

Legal issues relating to the practice of religion in the prison. The Aleph Institute – Alternative Sentencing Program, when Aleph can help. Example of cases working on.

 

3:00 - 3:45 Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, Executive Director Aleph

 

2026 Conference summation and planning for 2027 conference; Update on programs at Aleph.