By Leah Rubashkin
Purim is coming! When we think Purim we think costumes, Mishloach Manos, and fun! We know it as an uplifting and joyous yom tov that we celebrate with simcha! To the Jew in prison, Purim is a day like any other, depressing and lonely.
One of the essential things that kept my husband Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin going in a gashmiusdike way was the fact that he had people who cared about him enough to come and visit him.
Every visitor brought with them their unique chayus, a reminder to Sholom Mordechai that he really did matter, and for the time of the visit, they alleviated any possible loneliness.
We have been asked by so many what they can do to help us give back to the community. One very effective way is for bochurim and yungeleit to go visit a prisoner who feels so alone. There are prisoners in every state.
Wherever you are in the country, the Aleph Institute can coordinate these visits to help change the horrible realities of those inmates if even only for a short while. In a way, it’s a form of Pidyon Shvuyim for those moments you are with them, and even afterwards.
You can make Purim be a real V’nahapoch Hu for those who are languishing in prison, oftentimes sadly shunned by their families. Bringing joy to prisoners can lead to Hirhur Teshuva too. There can be a person who is incarcerated just like my husband was, but they don’t have family, or the family lacks the capabilities to come and visit them.
(Visiting hours are often the during the same time as business hours, and if one spouse is in prison the other has to work to make ends meet, sometimes a family member is embarrassed, or angry at the prisoner, or they live too far away.)
Please take advantage of the koach that Hashem gives each and every one of us!
To sign up and visit Jewish Inmates – CLICK HERE or for more information contact [email protected]
Thank you Mrs. Rubashkin! When I was in jail a few years ago, the only thing that kept me going was the bochurim that would come visit me from the aleph institute. Everyone do all you can for the inmates! I can tell you from experience, it makes a world of a difference
Can arrange wonens visits too. It’s a big mitzvah, and you won’t regret it.
Ladies if you are interested you can email Rabbi Mendel at the email above. Fact is that not as many ladies are needed, because there are less Ladies incarcerated that are Jewish than men.
I contacted Aleph and they gave me the opportunity to visit a women in Jail and it was an amazing experience!
I would recommend to all.
@alephvisitation
Unfortunately there are women in jail that need visits more than men
very beautiful
please don’t forget about another type of prisoners: women and children who have escaped abusive situations and have been strategically isolated by their abuser, keep your eyes open, call them, visit them, show them you care
The questions at the link are obviously intended for men. Does Aleph also have a program for visiting female Jewish inmates?
would you know her number that I can call her
here in nyc 2 ladies a week visit rikers island for “religious sevices.” there are sometimes 15 jewish inmates, sometimes one.its an opportunity to teach them a little yidishkeit besides frienship.usuaLLY ITS SHORT TERM jail time till they go to trial.drivers are needed as its too far to go by train.mrs. shaina goldin coordinates the women volunteers{i go sometimes}. mens volunteers someone else.
I agree with everything Mrs.Rubashkin wrote but I have something to add given my experience “from the other side of the fence”
Many, many, many inmates claim to be Jewish and they are not and it is important for everyone to put fair effort in to making sure they are not being tricked…at the rmd of the day many (not all) inmates have bad intentions and “the Jewish card” is a known way for them to play games (kosher food, visits, etc.)