Chicago Shliach Gets Award for Serving Time
Rabbi Binyomin Scheiman, Director of the Jewish Prisoners Assistance Foundation (JPAF) and Director of Lubavitch Chabad of Niles, was presented with the prestigious Honorable Gerald C. Bender Humanitarian Award by the Decalogue Society of Lawyers on June 27, 2013 at the Union League Club of Chicago.
The Decalogue Society’s award is presented to an individual whose excellence and dedication demonstrates commitment to strive for justice by service to the community. Such a person can truly be recognized as one who focuses on tikkun olam – repairing the world – who never sees a wrong that needs to be addressed as “someone else’s job”, but as one who recognizes that the cause of justice is humanity’s job.
Rabbi Scheiman travels 70,000 miles each year visiting inmates in as many as 30 prisons, mentoring and providing spiritual guidance, and strengthening connections to Torah and ethical concepts. He brings hope to Illinois inmates, ex-offenders, and their families. His commitment extends to finding jobs and renewed purpose as parolees move on to productive and responsible lives.
He is also focused on bringing cases of injustice to the attention of sympathetic legal professionals and advocating for proper treatment of prisoners.
For over 30 years, Rabbi Scheiman has demonstrated a proven record of effectiveness by providing a lifeline to prisoners as well as saving the State of Illinois hundreds of thousands of dollars in judicial and incarceration expenses for repeat offenders, while enhancing the safety of Illinois communities.
Department of Justice data shows that the rate of recidivism, or repeat offenders, is substantially reduced through faith-based services and mentoring of prisoners.
Following the untimely passing of Rabbi Scheiman’s wife and devoted soul partner, Hinda, JPAF has been renamed the “HINDA Institute” (Helping Individuals Ascend). The HINDA Institute is expanding its focus on re-entry to society, family counseling and support, jobs assistance, and targeted mental health services.
Rabbi Scheiman is a true embodiment of Ahavas Yisroel and Ahavas HaBriyos– care and concern for one and all. His boundless energy, inimitable determination, and endless commitment to the wisdom of the Torah, as exemplified in the teachings of Lubavitcher Rebbe, bring joy and meaning to all who encounter him.
Tnanks for sharing
Rabbi Scheiman is a Tzaddik!
Nice tie
Very beautiful keep it up rabbi Scheiman!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we love rabbi scheiman!
His beloved wife obm, was known to host former inmates in her home. As pointed out elsewhere, not many people would be willing to. That his program bears her name is truly fitting.
All of Chicago loves and respecrs him!
shterna s
very proud of our Chicago Shliach for all years of his selfless devotion and dedication
A Bakaleynik, HINDA volunteer
Rabbi Scheiman’s ability to uplift and inspire others is a unique, G-d-given talent. I have heard people proudly explain how Rabbi Binyomin Scheiman taught them how to think about morality and how to take personal responsibility for their actions. Truthfully, Rabbi Scheiman is the kind of person whose activities would be worthy of support no matter what they were. This project, however, makes society safer for all of us and helps repair not only the lives of ex-offenders but those of their families, especially their children, who have done nothing wrong. Yasher Koach Rabbi S.