Sefer Torah Completed inside Federal Penitentiary

Cleared for publication: After completing seven Sifrei Torah during the Kinus Hashluchim, an eighth Siyum quietly took place inside of a medium security federal prison, in the merit of Reb Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin. In an event that most likely is the first of its kind, a delegation visited him and other inmates and together they completed a brand new Sefer Torah.

by an attendee

This year’s Internation Kinus Hashluchim began with a special ceremony marking the completion of seven brand new Sifrei Torah in a joyous ceremony in the Oholei Torah Ballroom. A large crowd of Anash and Shluchim took part in this momentous event.

But the completion of an eighth Sefer Torah was hidden from the public and very few knew of what was to come only a few days later.

Through the efforts of the Aleph Institute, the necessary permissions were secured to conduct a special Siyum and Hachnosas Sefer Torah within the walls of Federal Correctional institution Otisville, where Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin is incarcerated after being sentenced to 27 years in prison.

A delegation of Chassidim, Askanim and Shluchim made their way to the prison, in coordination with Howard Beach Shliach and prison Chaplain Rabbi Avrohom Richter. Thanks to the gracious and special consideration of the Mr. Juan Baltazar, the warden of FCI Otisville, who ensured this historic event take place with the proper permissions within the prison walls.

Sitting before the soon-to-be-completed Torah is the well-known Sofer Rabbi Moshe Klein, flanked by representatives of Aleph who tend to the spiritual needs of Jewish prisoners incarcerated around the country.

Mr. Leonardo Farkas, the Chilean businessman who donated all the Sifrei Torah, tended to all the logistical costs and was present along with Shluchim Rabbi Bentzion Korf and Rabbi Chaim Shtern.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos, along with his son Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Merkos 302, Rabbi Sholom Duchman, chairman of Colel Chabad, and his brother Reb Boruch Duchman were among those present.

Yossi Cohen, the famous musician, along with a choir of avreichim lead by Choni Zucker stood ready to excite the crowd with their music.

A minyan of Jews incarcerated at FCI Otisville, then enter the room and at the sight Sholom Mordechia’s eyes light up and the song of Ani Maamin begins. Standing together, hand over shoulder and streaming tears, they sing slowly together.

It was as if the walls of the prison melted away for an hour and the worries just evaporated for the Jews incarcerated in the prison, led by Sholom Mordechai, in whose merit the Torah was being completed.

For over an hour they danced, at one point raising Sholom Mordechai onto the shoulders of one the attendees, to the sounds of Chassidishe music which captivated the room.

This new Torah will make its residence at tje FCI Otisville Camp and another Torah, that was graciously on loan from the Apta Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Krause, will remain in the medium security complex.

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8 Comments

  • Yossi

    I hope the zechus of this mitzvah will get Reb Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin released ASAP

  • Anonymous

    nu, vas nacht?
    ess iz genug!

    we accomplished yet another amazing feat now let’s see Moshiach!!

  • Mimi Furst

    This is one event I am glad to have missed. I can only fathom the sea of tears!!
    Pray that VERY soon, they write a new one in honor of his release.
    AD MOSAI???????????????????????????????????

    • From a Bas Kohen...

      From your mouth to G-d’s ears. IYH we will celebrate very soon his release and the siyum of Galus.

  • very inspiring

    Why is Sholom in prison anyway.
    Such an Anti-Semite judge and jury,
    get him out!!!!!! and put her in

  • love it!

    I love how the donor is also wearing a kapota!!!
    beautiful event, may it be a huge zechus for sholom mordechai halevi ben rivka and he should have a big didan natzach now!!!!