עסקנים ביטע העלפן! אייכם!!!!

A gitte voch Rabbis and friends,

The voice and the cry of our Jewish brothers in Ft. Dix - West.

There are many, many challenges here each and every day.  We can write full books with pages each day, how difficult the challenges are here - both spiritually and physically.

But we are here, wishing to explain in a few words, asking what help you can give.  Baruch Hashem, we live in a country which is a "Malchus shel Chesed", and has a Constitution which the country is to be run by.  According to the Constitution, we even here have our rights, including that of Freedom of Religion.  And Freedom of Religion is defined by the experts of each religion.

The BOP in general, and the Warden and AWs are willing to give us everything we need.  And perhaps the chaplains too.  But, we need to explain to them that for Shabbos each Yid needs to eat 3 meals, plus additionally Havdalah and Melava Malka, as the Shulchan Aruch requires.  And these meals must clearly be observed according to our Law and Traditions and Customs.  The same, we must pray 3 times/day, and study Torah all day.

The BOP makes available, every day, 7 days/week, all day long, that every inmate can go to Recreation (the gym) and participate in different programs.  And they do this because they are willing to help inmates....

If they would know the importance and obligation and necessity that we need these religious things for our spiritual and material needs, for the Chapel to be open 7 days/week, all day - just like Recreation....  Then if you were to explain to them, demand from them, and convince them that this must be, no less than they have Recreation for the goyim, then this is what would be.

If you have any questions and wish for more explanation, please ask, and we shall seek to explain, be"H.

PLEASE, PLEASE, HELP, HELP, HELP!!!!!!!!  In this merit, we should have all yeshios un refios, mit alle gitte hashpuos, mit a sach gelt!

BS"D 7 MarCheshvan 5773 (Oct. 23, 2012)

Dear Rabbis and friends,

Another week has passed by.  And I would like to bring to your attention the following.  I believe you know
the importance of how MP3s can help those who are locked up.  When they are in the deep darkness, with
plenty of troubles, and with no one to come and give them encouragement....  For instance, when someone
is alone at night, waking up from a bad dream, with no one to speak to or give him encouragement, he can
take his small MP3 player and turn it on.  And perhaps he has the ability to listen to Chovos HaLevavos or
other shiurim.  How great would be the encouragement from this?  How great the chizuk?!

No one has the opportunity to come at this moment when it's difficult and he's lonely, and has no one to
give him a kind word.  But he can take the MP3 and choose what he would like to have, which would help
him so much - it's unimaginable.  If he were to have the opportunity to choose what he likes, as mentioned
before: Gemara, Medrash, shiurim, Chovos HaLevavos, Siporos Tzaddikim, Yiddishe music, or other divrei
chizuk, etc. - it would be great.

We believe that the whole world and everything therein has been created for the Yidden.  MP3s were
created for us as well.  So why shouldn't we have the opportunity to use it for what we need?

So we hereby encourage you or anyone to take the time to make it happen that the MP3s here should have
available all the things previously mentioned.  MP3s can be used anytime, anywhere, for anything if it is
available.  Please put forth any efforts you can to make this available.  The achievement is great, and the
reward is great as well.  And this will thus become available throughout the BOP for all Yidden in Federal
Prisons.

Hashem should help that no Yidden be in these places.  And you should be blessed with all blessings, a
thousand times more.  The eyes of many broken people are upon you, that you should make this happen.

If you don't know what to do, please contact people who do know - who have contacts here or with
Washington - and spread the word that we are limited with this.  You in the free world can do what we
cannot.  You have this great opportunity.  And of course, the minimum a person can do (and perhaps even
the greatest thing) is to be mispallel to Hashem, from Whom everything comes.  Thank you.

BS"D 6 MarCheshvan 5773 (Oct. 22, 2012)

Dear Rabbis and friends,

We would like to explain what our cry and request is regarding, as well as what you can do about it.

By nature, when a person understands a problem and the source of that problem, it is much easier to solve
that problem.  As we have pointed out, we live in a country which is a "Malchus Shel Chesed".  This country
was founded with rules and laws, with the Constitution as its foundation.  The Constitution gives rights to
its citizens, including rights for those who are in jail.  Freedom of Religion is the very first Amendment to
the Constitution.  And this right is a great help to Yidden in this country in general, as well as for those in
jail.

The Justice Department of the United States recognizes the Amendment to the Constitution of Freedom of
Religion, and thus affords people in jail the protections guaranteed under this Amendment.

The Amendment of Freedom of Religion does not only benefit Yidden, but benefits all religions.  Of course
we thank Hashem greatly for this Amendment.  It is a great kindness of Hashem to grant this.  And quite
probably, Hashem made certain that this Amendment would be made to the Constitution of the United
States for the sake of His people - the Yidden.

Now, each religion has its own definitions of what the religion requires.  Yidden have the Torah, and the
Torah and Shulchan Aruch define what our obligations are and what we must do.  The Justice Department
of the BOP has each religion's experts define what the religion's obligations are, and what they must grant
the practitioners of this religion.

Each of the 26 religions officially recognized by the BOP has its experts and lobbyists to define what the
religion needs and to guarantee its members the wherewithal to practice their religion properly.  The BOP
has a Religious Services Department.  This Department was created to serve all religions.  And this
Department has the say of what to give, and what not to give.

What we mean to say is that the Warden and AW have no say as to what must be provided; only the
Religious Services Department has a say in this.  Nor do they wish to have a say in what Religious Services
provides to inmates.  But as they are higher on the executive ladder, the Warden and AW listen to and
enforce whatever the Religious Services Department says is needed.

Another example can be seen from the Medical Department.  The Warden and AW have no say in what
medicines or services to provide to inmates in need of medical services, nor do they want to be involved in
this.  It's not their expertise.  It is only the expertise and prerogative of the Medical Department.  The same
goes with other departments.

If someone outside were to come here and see what is provided to different religions, they wouldn't believe
their eyes.  For instance, the Native Americans are provided with logs to build a large fire, and a sweat lodge,
and even with sage or other things to smoke for their ceremonies.  And other religions are provided with
candles and flames to light their candles.  These things could certainly be seen as a security risk.  (In jail it is
not allowed to smoke; smoking was outlawed in the BOP in 2006).  But the reason they are provided is only
because the experts have said that the members of this religion need these things to properly observe their
religion.  And thus they must provide these things in order to fulfill the law mandating Freedom of Religion.

The bottom line is that the BOP and Justice Department are willing to fulfill anything that each religion
requires.

But here is the problem.  You, Rabbis and friends need to explain our needs to the BOP, as inmates have no
credibility to explain these things.  As we have earlier said, there are many challenges each and every day.
But the truth of the matter is, if the BOP were to make a special prison to provide all the needs of Yidden, the
entire structure of the day would need to be revised.  As we know, the Shulchan Aruch dictates the way to
sleep, eat, dress, etc.  All day long, we have strict laws of how to act and what to do.  But we do not go into all
of this now, and we certainly do not request all of this.  We only ask for the minimum requirements: that we
should have the Chapel open 7 days/week, all day (excluding Counts of course), as well as to eat the Shabbos
and Yom Tov meals as required by the Torah and Shulchan Aruch.

Unfortunately, many Yidden are today in jail; even observant Yidden are in jail today.  Some people even
become Baalei Teshuva in prison.  And we must be there for them, to help them observe the requirements of
the Torah and come closer to Hashem.  And who can help them?  Only you - to bring and explain their cry to
the BOP, and persuade and show them that we need what we request.

The reason we ask for the above things is as follows.  By being in the Chapel all day long, we are separated
from the impure atmosphere of the prison.  We can study Torah all day, daven at the proper times, be
surrounded by the dalet amos of Halacha.  And by being in the Chapel all day, we are saved from the impurity
of what occurs on the compound.

The same applies to Shabbos meals.  The Shulchan Aruch tells us how many meals we have to eat, what we
must eat, and how we must observe this.  But unfortunately the BOP does not recognize this need for special
Shabbos/Yom Tov meals.  I do not know why they do not recognize this.  But if we explain the situation and
need to them, they will surely grant it.

The level of food they serve throughout the week is not the issue right now.  It may be an issue in general,
but this is not the issue here.  Right now, we are here requesting that you help us to be in the Chapel 7 days/
week and to be able to observe the Shabbos.  This is our obligation according to the Torah and Shulchan
Aruch, as well as our right according to the Amendment of Freedom of Religion in the Constitution.  And it is
guaranteed that, if you were to explain and advocate for this, they would grant it for us.

WE ALL ARE HERE, PLEADING BY YOU, RABBIS AND FRIENDS.  PLEASE HELP US, AS UNFORTUNATELY, EVEN
THINGS WHICH HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED OVER THE YEARS THEY ARE NOW TAKING AWAY FROM US.  AND
THIS IS TERRIBLE.  HOW CAN OUR BROTHERS CLOSE THEIR EYES AND LET THIS HAPPEN TO US?

Any questions you have, please ask, and we will seek to answer, be"H.  All eyes are upon you for help.

Besiros tovos.

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BS"D Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Lech Lecha (Go For Yourself), Erev Yahrtzeit of Rochel Imeinu,
10 MarCheshvan 5773, October 26, 2012

Shabbos Shalom u'Mevorach,

A git (good) Shabbos, a lechtigen (bright) Shabbos, a Shabbos with all good influences for us and all around
us in great measure.

This week's Portion is the Portion of Lech Lecha (Go For Yourself).  As we mention all the time, the Holy
Torah teaches us the correct Derech HaChaim (Path in Life).  Not only the commandments teach us, but all
the stories, and everything.  Each word and letter teaches us what to do today, all day, all night, in every
circumstance and on every issue.

Avraham Avinu had been tested with 10 tests/challenges, and in these 10 tests are included all challenges
for the future generations.  Hashem told Avraham to "lech lecha" (go for yourself).  And this command
applies to each of us in our generation also.  The Torah teaches us, in a time of challenge, "lech lecha" (go
for yourself).  Go away from the challenge, hide yourself.  Where should a person go?  He should go to the
synagogue.  As the Gemara says, "mosh'chei l'Beis HaMedrash".  When the Yetzer HaRa (Evil Inclination)
comes to you, take him to the Beis HaMedrash, and then you will have the power to overcome him.

The Rambam says in Hilchos De'os, if you live among wicked people, run away, even live by yourself in the
desert rather than live among them.

Rashi and other commentators have difficulty with the "lech lecha".  Why does it say go for yourself?  Why
not simply "lech" (go)?  What's with the "lecha" (for yourself)?  But the reason to go is for your own benefit.
When you are in a challenge, and you run away from the challenge, and hide yourself from wicked people,
hiding yourself in the Beis HaMedrash, then it'll make easier for yourself the challenge, and you can
overcome the challenge.  When you isolate yourself in the dalet amos shel Halacha (4 cubits of Jewish Law),
in a place where wicked people don't go, then you're safe.  And the influence of the place, and the influence
of the Torah will protect you from all bad influences.  This is what the Torah teaches us, "lech lecha".  When
you're in a time of challenge, go to the Beis HaMedrash.

But, the question is, what do you do when you don't have a Beis HaMedrash?  Where do you go?

RABOSAI, THIS IS THE QUESTION WE HERE AT FT. DIX MUST DEAL WITH.  WE COME TO YOU.  PLEASE HELP
US THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE BEIS HAMEDRASH, TO RUN AWAY THERE, AND SIT THERE AS MUCH
AS WE CAN.  TO SIT HERE IN ANY PLACE OTHER THAN THE BEIS HAMEDRASH IS TERRIBLE IN ALL ASPECTS.
IT IS DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN.  NO ONE CAN BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENS HERE, WITH THE BAD INFLUENCES
SURROUNDING US.  IT'S BETTER NOT EVEN TO TALK ABOUT IT. 

WE ALL BEG OUR BROTHERS, HELP US TO RECEIVE OUR RIGHTS WHICH SHOULD BE GRANTED, AS DINA
D'MALCHUSA DINA - THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE THERE IN THE CHAPEL, 7 DAYS/WEEK, ALL DAY (EVEN
IF NOT AT NIGHT WHEN THE COMPOUND IS CLOSED).  WE ALMOST HAD THIS, BUT INSTEAD OF UPDATING,
THEY HAVE TAKEN AWAY AND MINIMIZED.  PLEASE HELP US TO SURVIVE OUR CHALLENGES.

In the merit of this Parsha, as Hashem tells Avraham Avinu to "lech lecha", may this give us the power to
fulfill the "lech lecha" in the times of all challenges.  And in this merit, we should have the merit to be fulfilled
for us all the blessings with which Hashem blessed Avraham Avinu (as it says " v'e'es'cha l'goy gadol,
va'avarech'cha va'agad'lah sh'mecha, vehyeh brachah.  Va'avar'chah m'vara'checha, u'm'kalel'cha a'or, v'niv'r'chu
v'cha kol mishp'chos ha'adamah" (I will make you a great nation, and I shall bless you and make great your name,
and you shall be a blessing.  And I shall bless those who bless you, and those who curse you shall be cursed, and
through you shall all the families of the earth be blessed)), by fulfilling Hashem's commandments, specifically
that of "lech lecha".

Please remember to have all of us in mind.  Once again, if anyone wishes us to have them in mind, please let
us know the person's Hebrew Name.  A git Shabbos!

[בילד – נישט אפגעהיט]

 

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BOP Showcase: FCI Ft. Dix - West & Otisville Camp

                              

                   "A BOP SHOWCASE" Jewish Facility

BS"D 12 Kislev 5773 (November 26, 2012)
BOP Showcase: FCI Ft. Dix - West and FPC Otisville Camp

We live in what is considered to be the greatest country in the world, which was founded upon the principles
of democracy and freedom, along with the principle of "universal equality".  Not only does this country follow
these principles in regard to their citizens who are free people, but these rights are also guaranteed for those
who are incarcerated in this country.  Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are also among those
freedoms accorded to all citizens - both free and imprisoned.

In order for the BOP to fulfill the accordance of Freedom of Religion to all people under their custody, they
have made a system which accommodates each religion.  Basically, the BOP gives certain basics to each
religion, which has been deemed to be appropriate so the practitioners of that religion can fulfill their duties.

The BOP does recognize in accommodating those inmates who are sincere to accommodate them on a higher
level.  Therefore, the BOP has chosen a few institutions which will be set aside to accommodate religious
groups in a better manner.  For instance, there is a "Life Connections" Program for Christians.  There are
some other institutions for Muslims.  And for the Orthodox Jews, there are two institutions: FCI Ft. Dix -
West, NJ and FPC Otisville Camp, NY.

By nature, whenever a person achieves something, he is proud of the accomplishment and advertises it.  The
same goes with the United States of America as a whole: they are proud to be considered a free country,
based on democratic ideals, and they advertise all over the world - both inside and outside the country - that
this country is the dream of the world.  The same goes with this country advertising that we have Freedom of
Religion, even for inmates.  And thus the term "showcase prison", where the BOP accommodates the religious
needs of different religions.

Whenever a religious Jew goes to jail, or when a defendant has an argument before the Court that he won't be
able to abide by his religion in jail, the rebuttal by judges and prosecutors is that there are 2 prisons in the
U.S. which will accommodate that person's needs: FCI Ft. Dix - West and FPC Otisville Camp.

(Previously, a defendant wouldn't be able to properly be able to observe his religion if he were to go to prison,
and this would be an extenuating circumstance which could warrant that the judge couldn't send this person to
prison.  Thus they provide this "showcase prison" so they can, in fact, send that person to prison.  In fact,
according to the Constitution, this government must provide each person with the ability to practice their
religion.  If they cannot provide this in the prison environment, legally, they should not be allowed to send that
person to prison.  And for this reason, the BOP has created a "showcase prison" to accommodate these needs).

These Jewish "Showcase Prisons" have the ability and facilities to provide for their Jewish inmates communal
prayers with minyan and reading from the Torah every day, as well as numerous seforim (religious books) to
enable Torah classes at all levels to be provided.  Many less-religious inmates also wish to take the opportunity
to attend Torah classes given by other inmates who had the benefit of a deeper Torah education.  The reality
of Jewish facilities is sadly, at Ft. Dix - West, not as publicly made-out-to-be at this "Showcase Prison".

Regretfully, here at FCI Ft. Dix - West, the status of the prison is not checked.  Anyone here can see that the
Religious Services Department does not run smoothly, efficiently or properly.  The levels of support are not as
they should be.  In fact, people who self-surrender to this prison see the services provided by the Religious
Services Department and are quite surprised and disappointed by what they find.  The judges and prosecutors
had assured them that their religious needs would be met at this "showcase prison"; but, regretfully, in reality
this is not so.  This is particularly so for the Jews, as this prison was advertised as a "showcase" specifically
for the Jews, to provide all of their religious needs while in the prison system.

As an example, it had been established for people who self-surrender here, that they are allowed to bring in
their tallis/tefillin as they come here.  But now, Chaplain Mihyar has unilaterally changed this policy also, and
no longer allows it.  This is the first experience a person now receives with being disappointed here, at this
"showcase prison".

It should be pointed out that, in years past, when religious Jews were in Court, they argued that their
religious freedoms and needs would not be able to be met if they were sent to prison.  And this was a very
strong argument.  In fact, because of this, often times judges would not sentence a religious Jew to prison
for this reason.  Or if they were sentenced to prison time, it would be a very short sentence.

But, now the BOP has established certain "showcase prisons" to meet this need of religious Jews, so that the
judges shouldn't have to resort to not sending religious Jews to prison.  Now the judges say that they have
these prisons where all of the religious needs and obligations of Jews are met.  So now they can send them
to prison for any length of sentence they deem good in their eyes.

But in fact, although the BOP assures the judges this is so: that there are these "showcase prisons" where the
religious needs of Jews are met, this is not the case.  Although the BOP Policy sets forth that these needs
must be met, the unilateral actions of the Chaplain have put an end to this.

The purpose of writing this article is to bring this situation to the attention of the Jewish community: to ensure
that this promise of the United States Constitution of Freedom of Religion and BOP Policy be fulfilled.  As more
religious Jews, unfortunately, come into the system, and the demand for accommodation increases, the
facilities provided should be increased, rather than what is unfortunately the case at FCI Ft. Dix - West, which
is in serious decline.  New Muslim chaplains are now defining BOP Policy in a manner that is diminishing and
endangering Constitutional rights and practices of the Jewish Community established over many years.  The
term "showcase prison" should live up to its name.

If, in fact, for whatever reason the BOP can no longer, or no longer wishes to, provide Jewish inmates with their
religious needs, this is a greater punishment than the Court is legally allowed to hand down, and we wish it to be
informed to the judges and those in authority that the BOP no longer provides these rights and accommodations
for religious Jews.

Currently there are two fundamental issues which the Jewish Community here at FCI Ft. Dix - West requests
that the prison accommodate:
 
1) That the Chapel should be open all day, every day: 7 days/week, 365 days/year (which is, at the minimum,
    not less than Recreation and Education facilities here at FCI Ft. Dix - West, as in many ways Chapel is more
    important, as it represents Freedom of Religion as is guaranteed under the Constitution.  This is essential to
    perpetuate and enhance Torah classes and learning for all Jewish inmates, which enhances the rehabilitation
    process).

2) That we should be allowed to observe Shabbosos and Festivals as required by Jewish Law and Tradition,
    which include the 3 Shabbos/Festival Meals, plus Havdalah and Melava Malka to be held as communal events
    for all Jewish inmates who wish to attend.

These 2 above issues are not accommodated well at all.  And unfortunately they have become markedly worse
than what had previously been established here over the years.

Whoever can bring this to the attention of the proper authorities, to correct these issues, will be blessed min
HaShamayim.  Thank you.

PLEASE READ THE ABOVE CAREFULLY AND SPREAD THIS MESSAGE TO WHOEVER MAY BE ABLE TO HELP.  AND
YOU CAN HELP BY ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO CAN HELP, TO HELP

 

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