No Location Too Remote for the Aleph Institute

In hundreds of prisons scattered around the country, there are isolated Jews who never receive visits. The one ray of sunshine in their bleak reality is an annual visit from young rabbinical students who volunteer for the Aleph Institute.

The Aleph Institute, whose motto is “No One Alone, No One Forgotten,” was created to reach the most isolated segments of humanity and reveal the divine spark within every human being.

Aleph’s Summer Visitation Program ensures that every single Jewish man or woman in prison, no matter where, receives a rabbinical visit at least once a year. Throughout the course of these visits, Aleph’s traveling rabbinical students also meet with hundreds of people from other faiths who are seeking the spiritual and caring insights about life that the students can provide. Even if someone is in the most remote and far-flung facility, no person is too insignificant nor location too remote for Aleph to extend its love.

In July and August, 28 volunteers traversed 10 cross-country routes through 34 states, covering 77 federal prisons, 192 state prisons and 6 county jails. Countless incarcerated men and women received heartwarming visits — sharing personal stories, singing songs, and connecting on a soul-to-soul level. For many incarcerated individuals, the Summer Visitation Program is their lifeline, the highlight of their year, and their sole connection to the outside world.

One man with a double life-sentence wrote: “It was probably the best two hours I have had in more years than I can remember. The rabbi’s patience, understanding, knowledge, and kindness were immeasurable.”

Another wrote: “As I am currently in isolation and have no phone access or way to reach my family besides letters, it was very uplifting and made me feel like I am not alone and not forgotten, that Hashem and my people are always with me.”

To learn more about the Aleph Institute’s programs and services, click here.