Aleph’s Yeshiva in Prison Brings Unity Behind Bars

“Never in my life did I think I could be part of a community in this place,” said Sam*, who is currently serving a 30-year sentence at Sumter Correctional Institution in Florida.

The Adel Bas Avraham “Learning To Live” Yeshiva in Prison program is a unique initiative run by the Aleph Institute that operates within correctional facilities to promote rehabilitation and compliance with the law. The program recreates a “yeshiva-like” environment for individuals in prison, offering full-day intensive learning programs, prayer, and a comprehensive curriculum covering Jewish law, Talmud, ethics, and more. The goal is to provide participants with the tools and motivation they need to change the trajectory of their lives, reconnect with their Jewish roots, and become law-following, productive members of society.

“Every individual has the power for transformation, regardless of their life circumstances,” said Rabbi Yossi Cohen, Aleph’s Director of Religious Education. “Through Aleph’s Yeshiva in Prison program, we strive to unlock the potential within each individual by providing not only the knowledge, but also the tools to spark profound personal change.”

Last month Sam attended this program together with 14 other incarcerated men at his facility. Three rabbinical student volunteers were brought in to lead the program, which featured a two-day deep dive into Talmudic, Halachic, and Chassidic study, as well as prayer services, group-led discussions, and more. All necessary materials were provided by Aleph staff.

One man tearfully shared his appreciation, saying, “This is the first time I will be walking out of this room feeling happy.”

Reflecting on his volunteer experience, Yosef Faygen, a 23-year-old rabbinical student from Crown Heights, said, “You could tell that these people were hanging on to each word we said. When we brought in a real Sefer Torah for them to use, their eyes lit up. They had such awe in their eyes.”

Before the program started, the volunteers were told that the Sumter group had some ongoing differences and divisions amongst the men. However, by the second day, “the men were hugging each other, emotionally sharing their journeys, and being vulnerable with each other,” said Faygen. “We even had a kumzits and sang Jewish songs! What started off as a group of men with significant differences turned into a literal community of brotherhood, united in learning and connection.”

The program is set to expand, with additional sessions planned for facilities in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other locations across the country.

To find out more about this program and how you can volunteer, please email Rabbi Yossi Cohen at [email protected].