The holidays of Judaism should be practiced everywhere regardless of conditions. Aleph helps Jewish prisoners with no Jewish surroundings practice their religion and celebrate holidays while incarcerated. The families of the prisoners are also afforded the opportunity to observe the holidays with their loved ones.
Shabbos
Kiddush Grape Juice & Matzah Program
Kiddush on Shabbat is an important Jewish ritual, practiced weekly. We work to provide the institution with the grape juice and matzoh needed. Institutions should contact our office to receive the supplies.
Purim
Rabbis travel hundreds of miles to visit inmates and read the Megillah for them.
Sukkos
During the festive holiday, Jews take a Lulav and Etrog and make special blessings over them. Volunteers can also bring a sukkah into the institutions to help the prisoners more closely follow this tradition.
Pop-Up Sukkah and Video
Chanukah Lights Across America Program
The program consist of three major parts: visiting inmates, distributing Menorahs and other traditional religious items, and sending Chanukah gifts to the children of Jewish prisoners. The presents arrive with greeting cards, signed with the incarcerated parent or relative's name. Presents have been sent to children as far away as Poland, Russia, and Israel.
Menorah and Candles Order Form
Chanukah Gelt Program
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Rabbis visit more then 40 institutions and conduct prayer services and lectures. They also provide High Holiday books, shofars, Jewish calendars, yarmulkes, and arrange for holiday meals.
Rosh Hashanah Order Form 2020-5781
Passover
Kosher for Passover items approved in the prisons are sold at a great discount and include shipping, thus allowing for the Jewish inmates to be able to celebrate the holiday.
Passover Order Form
