Rabbinical Students to Visit 5,000 Jewish Inmates

Miami, FL — 30 Rabbinical students representing The Aleph Institute will drive thousands of miles to visit 5,000 Jewish inmates in 450 U.S. prisons in 45 states. Phase One includes multiple prisons in AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, ID, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, SC, WA. They will be visiting them this summer, June 25 to July 25.

Corrections is more than the warehousing of criminals, or the removal of symptoms without treating the cause. Successful rehabilitation is the result of compelling positive change in the inmate’s personal life. Though there are successful rehabilitation programs and some educational opportunities, the amount of time that inmates spend inside is mostly wasted.

The Aleph Institute’s visitation program encourages inmates to learn and seek understanding about righting their wrongs. Visiting students offer hope and inspiration for the forgotten people behind bars to realize that their lives can be turned around for good. Visitation time with the inmates lets them know that they are not alone and that someone cares about them. Quite possibly, it’s the most important interaction they’ll ever have. “You have no idea how seeing these young men brightens our spirits. Aleph really has saved my life.” (inmate in TX).

The Aleph Institute acquires fast track system clearance for Rabbinical students to gain entry. Visits are scheduled weeks in advance with prison chaplains and wardens according to strict security and visitation guidelines. Students are provided road maps and rental cars and stay in local motels on limited budgets.

Since 1981, The Aleph Institute, headquartered in Miami, FL, has been providing critical social services to families in crisis, and addresses the pressing religious, educational, humanitarian and advocacy needs of individuals in institutional and isolated environments, including service members in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Aleph Institute is accredited by the highest ranking officials of the Bureau of Prisons for its effectiveness in implementing solutions relating to the U.S. criminal justice system and is an official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agency appointed by the U.S. Department of Defense to endorse chaplains into military service. Particular emphasis is on family support, faith-based rehabilitation and preventive ethics education.