By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz, Director of Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota, shared on social media an experience he had while visiting Jewish inmates and that has impressed others.
“I just visited someone at a prison an hour and a half away,” he wrote on Monday. Rabbi Alperowitz was also allowed to speak with the inmate on the phone and behind a thick glass window.
“I brought a Siddur to give him but the officer said they can’t accept hardcover books…” he shared.
Even after explaining that this wasn’t an ordinary reading book, rather a religious prayer book, the guard refused to allow it in. “He said there are no exceptions,” the rabbi said.
What the rabbi did next was unexpected.
“I ripped off the cover and handed it to the officer,” he said. “He took it from me (with his) mouth open wide.”
The post has been shared by fellow Chabad rabbis and others. “This is what I call strong-willed, thank you for doing the right thing and sharing it with others,” commented Bryan Bair, a resident of Harrisburg, South Dakota.
What was the point of ripping the cover ?
Bc now it is no longer a hard cover book so it can be allowed in
People hide contraband in the covers of books. They don’t have x-ray equipment for checking
Perhaps read the article before commenting
So it wouldn’t be hard cover
hard cover books make for easy place to hide mini knives and other illigal substances between the pages. When there is a hard cover the items are less likely to fall out in a check. This prison, understanding the way prisoners work, banned hardcover books.
for future visits to jails
Not anywhere near South Dakota maybe if you order online
Giving the Rebbe nachas just in time for yud shevat
Aleph is the best when it comes to prison resources, they know all about how it works and what is allowed.
Go prepared be prepared. Knowledge is power.
Smart thinking
So special! Everyone should learn from him! Thank you!