The Aleph Institute is a nonprofit, nondenominational humanitarian and criminal justice organization that was founded in 1981 by Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, at the express direction of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Aleph is dedicated to caring for the wellbeing of members of specific populations who are isolated from the regular community — individuals incarcerated in prisons and jails, young people who are at risk of institutionalization due to mental illness or addiction, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Aleph addresses religious, educational, and spiritual needs; advocates and lobbies for civil and religious rights; and provides support to the struggling families who are left behind to fend for themselves.
In the words of a young mother whose husband was incarcerated: “Aleph kept me from sinking into a bottomless black hole. There was no judgment – only understanding… It gives me the chills when I think about it because it really is true; when all hope is lost and you feel utterly alone, you’re really not because Aleph is always there.”
And we recently received this note from a man in prison: “You have brought me air when I didn’t know where my next breath was coming from. You have picked up my pieces when I felt being whole again was useless. I am not alone because of the Aleph Institute.”
For nearly four decades, Aleph has been creating and implementing programs designed to rehabilitate offenders, counsel, and assist them and their families, reduce or eliminate periods of incarceration, and provide moral and ethical educational programs. This past year, through compassionate release and clemency efforts during the pandemic, Aleph helped over 100 individuals be released from prison and reunite with their families.
Since its founding, the Aleph team has grown from just one rabbi to more than 80 devoted staff members and 500 selfless volunteers active in 25 countries, who dedicate their hearts and souls to this critical mission of advocating for those without a voice and lifting them up during their darkest moments, to ensure that no one is ever alone or forgotten.
Partner with Aleph and help bring light to those who need it most! #BETHELIGHT https://www.alephlights.org
