Rabbi Vogel Blog

The Shifra Shed: Providing Hope in Challenging Times

One of the greatest blessings of community work is seeing firsthand how acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Recently, we received a heartfelt note from a family that utilizes the Shifra Shed, our community kosher food assistance program. Their words serve as a powerful reminder of why this work is so important:

"Many many thanks and blessings to you/Aleph for the Shifra Shed. In these tough economic times of increasing costs, especially for food items, it has made feeding and caring for my kids nigh impossible, stretching the budget past the breaking point. Having a place with fresh and available kosher food items available has been a … Read More »

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 »

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 »