PA Prison Chaplains Conference
Aleph Institute recently participated in a three-day conference in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, bringing together chaplains who serve in federal, state, and local correctional facilities throughout the Commonwealth.
The annual conference provides an important opportunity to strengthen Aleph’s relationships with the chaplains who work directly with incarcerated men and women. These chaplains are on the front lines every day, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, hope, and support. Their work is particularly important as incarcerated individuals prepare for their eventual return to their families and communities.
This year, Rabbi Vogel of the Aleph Institute was invited to present to the conference on Judaism and the religious needs of Jewish men and women in correctional facilities. The program was presented over two days and included both an educational presentation and an extended question-and-answer session with participating chaplains.
Understanding Jewish Life in Prison
Observing Judaism in a correctional environment can present significant challenges. Jewish men and women are required to observe Jewish law and traditions wherever circumstances permit. This can include access to kosher food, opportunities to pray three times each day, observance of Shabbat, and the ability to properly celebrate Jewish holidays.
During the presentation, Rabbi Vogel discussed the practical requirements associated with the Jewish calendar. Passover requires access to matzah and other appropriate kosher-for-Passover foods. Rosh Hashanah includes the mitzvah of hearing the shofar as well as traditional holiday foods such as apples and honey and honey cake. Other holidays have their own religious requirements that correctional staff and chaplains must understand and accommodate whenever possible.
Sukkot provides a particularly interesting example. Years ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections approved the use of portable pop-up sukkahs inside correctional facilities. Aleph Institute maintains a number of these sukkahs, which can be made available to rabbis, chaplains, and volunteers so that Jewish inmates have an opportunity to fulfill this important mitzvah.
The approximately two-hour presentation allowed chaplains not only to learn about these requirements but also to ask practical questions about situations they encounter in their institutions.
Equipping Chaplains With Resources
Aleph Institute’s support for correctional chaplains continues throughout the year.
One of Aleph’s important initiatives is its weekly communication for chaplains, rabbis, volunteers, and others who serve Jewish men and women in correctional facilities. The weekly program provides ready-to-use Jewish educational and inspirational materials that can be printed and distributed directly to inmates.
Aleph also makes video programming available for correctional institutions. Depending upon the technology available in a particular facility, these programs may be shown through institutional television channels or other approved systems. Usage statistics indicate that Aleph’s programming is being utilized by correctional chaplains and facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
The Carlisle conference provided another opportunity to introduce chaplains to these resources. Numerous new contacts were established, additional chaplains joined Aleph’s distribution network, and relationships were strengthened with those already familiar with Aleph’s work.
The conference reflects an important part of Aleph Institute’s mission: supporting not only Jewish men and women who are incarcerated, but also the chaplains, rabbis, and volunteers who serve them.
By educating and equipping correctional chaplains, Aleph can multiply its impact. A chaplain who understands the religious needs of a Jewish inmate—and knows where to turn for assistance—can make an enormous difference.
Aleph Institute remains committed to ensuring that incarceration does not sever a Jewish person’s connection to Judaism or the Jewish community. Through education, religious materials, holiday programming, chaplaincy partnerships, and direct assistance, Aleph continues to remind Jewish men and women behind the walls that they are not forgotten.