Aleph Rabbis Gather in Pittsburgh

Over 50 men and women who serve as rabbis and mentors in the federal, state and local prisons gathered for the annual conference at the Aleph Institute in Pittsburgh.

Titled ‘Re-entry’ the conference was geared to give them the information needed to be able to counsel and direct the inmates and help prepare them for their release.

The Regional Director of Pennsylvania Parole and Probation, Mr. Larry Ludwig, addressed the attendees and discussed the importance and significant roll Rabbis play in the rehabilitation of the inmates. Inmates who join a congregation and work with a spiritual leader are far less likely to get into trouble. He pledged to continue working with Aleph and welcomed Rabbi Vogel to the ‘Citizens Review Board of PA Parole and Probation’.

Rev. Ulli Klemm, the Director of Religious Service in Pennsylvania, spoke to the group, addressing the need of the Rabbis’ involvement in the life of the inmate during and post incarceration.” Religion,” said the Rev.” is a key tool to facilitate re-entry, and the Rabbis and mentors with their connections in the community can make all the difference in the world.”

Dr. Yaakov Guterson, a local psychiatrist, gave a presentation about the Rabbis and mentors knowing when the inmates with whom they are working need to get medical intervention and when not

Rabbi Shais Taub, a noted lecturer and expert in the 12 step program, lectured on the importance of using the support groups available for all inmates, regardless of their addiction or not.

Dr. Wanza Jackson, Director of Religious Services for Ohio, thanked Aleph for their outreach into the Ohio penal system and pledged to continue working with Aleph Institute over the next year.

Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, the Regional Director of the Aleph Institute, announced the signing of cooperation with the state of Pennsylvania to begin providing a host of re-entry programs at the Center in Pittsburgh.

With 8 Rabbis and over 90 volunteers Aleph makes hundreds of visits a year. For many it is the only visit an inmate receives in that year.

Mr. Richard Goldstein, a longtime volunteer at Aleph was announced as the volunteer of the year.

Rev. Statler of the Federal prison in Loretto was given the ‘Chaplain of the Year Award’ for his tireless efforts during Rosh Hashanah when four bochrim were involved in a accident which left them in the hospital for the holiday.