Rabbi Vogel Blog - The Aleph Institute - N.E. Regional Headquarters

Inmate Request

Friday, June 19, 2026 - 9:47 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 throu… Read More »

Lawsuits

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 4:16 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… Read More »

Family Visitation

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 4:32 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 offe… Read More »

Public Defender's Office

Friday, June 12, 2026 - 3:50 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 resol… Read More »