Rabbi Vogel Blog

Updated news at Aleph Institute

You will find news and information of the many programs being offered at Aleph Institute.

The Aleph Institute provides many programs for those incarcerated, their families and re-entry programs.

In addition in 2013 the Aleph Institute opened the Shifra Program, which provides resources and support benefiting many families in the Jewish community in Pittsburgh.

As you browse this blog you will become familiar with these programs.

KOI program

Monday, July 23, 2012 - 10:46 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… Read More »

Jimmy

Friday, July 20, 2012 - 3:08 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 i… Read More »

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Profile

Rabbi Vogel is the Executive Director of the Aleph Institute - North East Region.
At Aleph we strive to help those who have been forgotten by society, the Jewish men and women in prison, their families on the outside and those who are reentering society. Left alone these men and women are guaranteed to fail (US DOJ statistics give them a twenty three percent success rate).
It is our goal to work with these men and women as individuals and give them the tools to succeed, when we do so, we are assured (US Dept. of Justice, lowers recidivism by over forty percent!) we will succeed.

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