www.alephne.org | Blogs | Rabbi Vogel Blog

Inmate Request

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 9:47:00 AM

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 throughout the incarceration and reentry process, helping address the many barriers they face. From securing identification documents and housing to connecting individuals with treatment programs, employment opportunities, and community support, our goal is to provide the tools necessary for lasting success.

Every letter we receive is a reminder that hope remains alive, even behind prison walls. With the right support, lives can be rebuilt, families can be reunited, and communities can be strengthened. These letters are not simply requests for assistance—they are opportunities to help someone write a new chapter in their life story.

Lawsuits

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 4:16:00 PM

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, spiritual guidance, and the resources they need during difficult times.

I remain dedicated to serving those who are incarcerated, their families, and the broader community with compassion, integrity, and respect for the law. I am grateful that the matter has been resolved as it relates to me and look forward to continuing this important work.

Family Visitation

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 4:32:00 PM

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 offering supervised visitation with approved, trained supervisors — giving parents and children a safe, culturally appropriate place to meet, talk, and rebuild their relationship.

Families have already used this program to stay connected during a difficult time.

Want to learn more or support this work? Reach out to us at info@alephne.org.

Public Defender's Office

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 3:50:00 PM

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 resolved.

Our organization has spent months working closely on this case, reviewing the circumstances and supporting the individual involved. Based on our ongoing work, we strongly believe there are significant mitigating and family-related circumstances that deserve thoughtful consideration, and that the individual should not necessarily be held fully responsible for the entire amount being sought.

Alternative sentencing programs exist because justice should not only focus on punishment, but also on fairness, accountability, rehabilitation, and understanding the full context of a person’s situation.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with all parties involved — including the courts, prosecutors, and Public Defender’s Office — to help ensure that individuals receive meaningful advocacy and that alternative resolutions are fully explored where appropriate.

We hope this experience can lead to better coordination and stronger preparation in future cases so that justice is served with both integrity and compassion.

This week at Aleph

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:07:00 PM

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 recidivism and restore stability to individuals and families.

Client 1: Eric

Eric is a hardworking young man who struggles with mental health challenges and alcohol addiction. Following an incident at a party in January, he was arrested again on a disorderly conduct charge. Because this was not his first offense, he was facing a possible jail or prison sentence ranging from approximately six months in county incarceration to over a year in state prison.

The difference between remaining in the community and entering the prison system is life-altering. Extended incarceration often brings profound trauma for the individual, emotional and financial hardship for loved ones, disruptions to employment and housing, and long-term challenges with reentry and family stability.

The Aleph Institute intervened. After many hours of advocacy and coordination, the court accepted an alternative plan: 50 hours of community service in lieu of incarceration. Eric remained at home and connected to support systems instead of being removed from them.

An Aleph Institute caseworker helped ensure compliance with treatment and support programs, while arranging ongoing guidance and accountability through regular meetings with a Rabbi. Through professional counseling, mentorship, and structured support, Eric now has the opportunity to address the underlying challenges in his life while continuing as a productive member of society. All associated costs were covered by Aleph Institute.

Eric’s future is bright—not because his struggles disappeared, but because he was given structure, accountability, and support instead of trauma and isolation.

Client 2: Jon

Jon has struggled with mental health challenges since childhood. Estranged from his father and difficult to stabilize despite years of effort, his family had long struggled to find the right support system.

Although originally from Los Angeles, Jon moved to Pittsburgh in the summer of 2025 to live with a friend. Unfortunately, that living arrangement proved unstable and lacked the structure and positive influence he needed. After moving near a student residence, Jon had troubling interactions with local students, eventually resulting in serious criminal charges.

Community leaders and stakeholders became involved as concerns escalated. Jon ultimately fled the United States to Russia, where he later became involved with members of the Jewish community there. He was eventually extradited back to Pittsburgh to face legal proceedings.

At that critical moment, Aleph Institute helped facilitate a comprehensive reentry and alternative sentencing plan. With the support of dedicated volunteers—including attorney David Korman, who worked collaboratively with all parties involved—a path was developed that prioritized accountability, treatment, and stabilization rather than incarceration.

The goal was not to excuse harmful behavior, but to prevent the further deterioration of an already vulnerable individual while creating conditions for healthier long-term outcomes and community safety.

These two cases represent only a small glimpse into the work Aleph Institute undertakes every day. This program saves lives, preserves families, and strengthens communities. It saves the state millions of dollars otherwise spent on incarceration while providing essential support to individuals on difficult journeys and to family members whose lives are often shattered when a loved one enters the prison system.

At its core, this work is about giving people the structure, accountability, and support necessary to rebuild their lives—and helping families remain whole while that healing takes place.

Parole reform PA DOC

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:48:00 PM

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/

Prisoner Unfit for Trial

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 5:10:00 PM

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.

Dvar Torah

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 2:03:00 PM

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-entering society, three people this week were provided shelter for thru the efforts of our staff. One of them a family of four is out of living in a hotel and into a more stable environment.

Good Shabbos

KOI program

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:46:00 AM

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 the person was but they all knew each one was special just being part of our group.

Thanks to Kathleen for thig great program.

Jimmy

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 3:08:00 PM

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 is no question a person of his mental capacity has the potential of leading a good productive life – we all know people like Jimmy in our community working in various capacities.

However when he was a teenager or his early twenties Jimmy completed three different credit card applications, all the same day, one was for ‘Donald Duck’ the second was for ‘Mickey Mouse’ and the third was for ‘Mendel Mouse’, he awarded these three characters their own social security number and guess what, three weeks later he had the three credit cards in his possessions.

Strangely the day they arrived he notices a black van in the parking lot of the apartment he lives in, he was living there with the help of his parents who were paying his rent and helping out with his needs. He knocks on the window of the van with darkened windows to tell them he knows why they are there. They ignore him, and yes a week later there are five guys at the door of his apartment. They found the three envelops with the credit cards still inside. Jimmy said to me in the office “I would never have used them, that would be stealing and I am not a bad guy, am I Rabbi” “no Jimmy, you’re not a bad guy”, he spent the next month in jail, as his sister refused to post the $500 bond, as she decided to teach him a lesson, and he was then given two years probation!

However it is now twenty four years later: Jimmy cannot find any employment. If the job application asks, have you been convicted of a felony? He must check the “yes” box. And this is not any felony, this is credit card fraud!!!!!

Jimmy will start our computer training course Monday morning, and I have spoken to a business owner who has agreed to hire him. “No Jimmy, you’re not a bad guy” I am still trying to figure out here who the bad guy is?

Ban the Box

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 2:24:00 PM

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, especially today as criminal records are so assessable via the internet.

Society has to be more forgiving, with over one and a half million people in PA alone who have been convicted of a crime, our choice is either to be more forgiving and provide employment or face desperate individuals who have no legal way of providing the basic necessities for themselves and their families!

If you have employment opportunities in your business or a business you work for, please call our office with information, we have individuals who are ready to work and deserve a second chance.

Change coming to PA prisons and probation!

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:21:00 AM

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 they have decent clothing and that they have food and most important they feel part of a community which is there to help them and work with them thru their transition to being a productive part of the community.

The government would be far ahead of the game, both fiscally and productively, with working with agencies like Aleph in making this world a better place.

10 years for theft of meat worth $80

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 7:27:00 PM

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 some wine and meat, with the explanation that not only did he not have wine for the holiday he evidentially did not have any meat (or chicken).

Read the article (click here: http://www.wpxi.com/irresistible/22187105/detail.html).

Guidelines revisited

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 7:33:00 PM

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 the negative impact on the many family members on the outside affected, and certainly does not have the negative influence on the children of these individuals, as some experts fear we are seeing now as second generations of those incarcerated are imprisoned.

The focus should begin to be rehabilitation and the community based agencies is the address.

See the article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10002/1025303-454.stm

Job Search

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 6:47:00 PM

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/11/12/out-of-prison-out-of-a-job-out-of-luck/

Our re-entry programs help ex-inmates daily get jobs and ease the return to society, with the help of businesses (like the Used Appliance Warehouse on the Southside) who partner with us in providing jobs for those returning to the community; we are able to save lives.

Fortunately this week we helped one inmate returning to NY (from a Western PA prison) with housing and a job thanks to the Fortune Society, in another case we were able to help a young man who has returned to this community last week after five years in prison with employment, unfortunately a third person this week we were unable to help Jeremy (name changed) who wants a position more than minimum wage, the economy is a difficult one, and we are so far unsuccessful with finding him a better position.

If you or you know someone who is ready to hire a young man, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are preparing a website with resumes to make it easier for employers to choose from, for that purpose. The Talmud teaches us, one of the greatest forms of charity is providing employment for a person!

Please help us in that endeavor.