Shalom Dear Friends: I am the pen pal coordinator for JEWISH PRISONER SERVICES INTERNATIONAL (JPSI). Our project is a not-for-profit outreach program of the Pidyon Shevuyim Synagogue in Seattle, WA. Our primary goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of Jewish prisoners and their loved ones.
Many of the Jewish prisoners seeking pen pals (there are about 8,000 currently behind the wire and walls) have committed non-violent, white-collar- type crimes. Their numbers include professional people such as physicians, lawyers, bankers, teachers, accountants, etc. We would be less than candid if we didn't reveal that there are Jews on death row and there are people of the faith who have committed violent crimes. We look upon all of them as brethren who have erred and are trying to make T'shuvah. We see our role as friends, guides and caretakers; escorting our errant brethren back to useful, peaceful and productive lives. All too often, they are lonely, bored, and frequently isolated from fellow Jews. Many of them have been and are being subjected to abuse by a wide assortment of anti-Semitic hate groups.
Sadly, a substantial number of offenders seeking outside contact have been abandoned by their families and shunned by real world friends. During the preliminary screening process, prisoner-applicants are advised that we are not a matchmaking or dating service. The majority of the respondents indicate that romance is not their objective. They sincerely seek contact with like-minded members of the faith to be challenged, to learn, to evolve, and to add some spark to a very drab existence.
Those who'd like to obtain further information about the mitzvah of becoming a through-the-mail buddy to a lonely Jewish prisoner are urged to write:
DEAR SARAH
P.O. BOX 761156
Los Angeles, CA 90076-1156
(Please direct your e-mail inquiries to: GaryFriedman@msn.com)You can receive our newsy newsletter or further information about what you can do to make a difference in another Jew's life by contacting:
CHAPLAIN GARY FRIEDMAN, CHAIRMAN
JEWISH PRISONER SERVICES INTERNATIONAL
P.O. BOX 85840
SEATTLE, WA 98145-1840
E-MAIL: GaryFriedman@msn.com [Pen Pal Inquiries Are Accepted At This E-mail Address]
Phone: 206-985-0577 Fax: 206-985-0479
Thank you for caring about your less-fortunate brethren.
Jewish Prisoner Services International www.jewishprisonerservices.org