Reaching Out

Ed.'s note: These letters appeared in "Reaching Out," a publication of the Prison's Department of the Lubavitch Youth Organization. Rabbi Shmuel Spritzer, to whom most of these letters are addressed, is amongst those who are at the forefront of outreach to Jewish prisoners.
Shalom Rabbi,
I used drugs and alcohol for 16 years, and in those years I did, saw and heard and read things that not only am I not proud of, but I know that they are permanently ingrained on my soul. It is only in these past few years in which I have been in contact with you that I have come to understand just how delicate and sensitive the soul is. I just want to erase the confusion. The struggle for me now is to put all the garbage somewhere where it won't interfere with my life, and quite a struggle it is.

Each month I read Reaching Out and I am always grateful that you not only allow us prisoners to voice our complaints and concerns but you always provide meaningful answers as well. I don't know if you know just how important it can be to have someone actually answer a question in a non-condescending manner... so thank you and your staff at Reaching Out for all the good you do.


Gedalyeh, Bellamy Creek CF, Ionia MIC


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Dear Rabbi,

First of all, thank you for everything you have done for me and the rest of the Jews here. You are the only one that was able to help us here to get kosher meals since there was never any in the six years of jail. Also all the support you have provided for me and my family and with your help I should soon be transferred back to a regular BOP institution.

I don't know what we would have done without your support. I was lost in the system as they thought I was not American. You helped them realize their mistake and it was corrected. In prison people do not have many friends that will go and do what needs to be done. What is truly amazing is that we never ever met, and yet, the Rebbe's love for every Jew comes through you, a real emissary.

Thank you,


Sergio, Rivers Corr. Institution, NC


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Dear Rabbi,

Well they moved me again. I am in a prison with a small community 130 miles south of Draper. Half the population is the prison. The cows outnumber the people here 10-1. The way people dress in town, it looks like the set on "Little House on the Prairie." It's up 7,000 feet so the air is cleaner. Other than that, I am looking toward to my religious freedoms here.


Yosef Shlomo, General Utah CF, Gunnison UT


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Dear Rabbi,

This is my first letter to you as I have recently begun receiving Reaching Out and truly enjoy it. The Rebbe had a message and the Lubavitchers acted on the message and lost Jews like me all around the world have now come to see the hope inspired by the Rebbe from G-d. Where once I had been a Jew, I now stand tall as Jew. I didn't choose Judaism; it was Judaism that chose me. I am proud to be Jewish, embrace my heritage, history and legacy.

Lubavitch now has shown me unconditional love and they have never closed their door to me. Rabbi Spritzer, your love, care and concern for every Jew is apparent by your Reaching Out publication. Jews from all over the world write you. I may be an incarcerated Jew but being Jewish can never be stopped. My Jewish journey continues and with your help and guidance I know I will grow each day.

Can you please send me a large picture of the Rebbe. I would truly be grateful.


Joshua, Calhoun CI, Blountsown FL.


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Dear Rabbi,

Thank you for your recent letter. Yes, I did receive the beautiful siddur (prayer book) you sent me. I like the enhanced text and how it gives you specific instructions, i.e., when to stand, when to sit, when to bend your knees, etc.

Rabbi, I need your help. I have written the AW several memorandums asking that the chapel be opened by Correctional Services so I can observe the Shabbat and also Havdalah. The newly revised "Religious Services-Technical Reference Manual" specifically mandates that Jewish participation be allotted at least two hours on these two days. Further, policy dictates that it is mandatory that we be allowed to eat three celebratory meals on Shabbat, and this can be accomplished using Religious Diet meals. In addition, policy further states if the Jewish inmate wants to enhance his Shabbat service, he can purchase additional kosher items from the commissary.

The last few weeks, the evening Operations Lt. refused to open the chapel for Jewish services, stating they never received a memorandum from the AW and/or they are short of staff and have other things going on. When I try to get the FSL staff to advise the AW of the problem, they tell me it is the chaplain's responsibility. I have to use kool-aide from Food Service in place of grape juice, as Chaplain... continues to forget to bring the grape juice to the FSL.


Keith, Federal Satellite Low,


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Rabbi,

I would like to thank you, your Reaching Out team and Chabad Lubavitch as a whole for the unending help and love to Jewish men and women to prisoners everywhere.... Since we got to know you, much has changed in NJ for Jewish prisoners and we owe you and the Rebbe much.


Yaakov, South Woods State Prison