Aleph Institute
Abby Mendelson (Photo courtesy of Abby Mendelson)
March 16, 2026, 3:25 pm
Abby Mendelson named Aleph Institute’s Chaplain of the Year
“They give us far more than we give them.”
By David Rullo
State Reps. Dan Frankel and Abigail Salisbury organized a press conference to address food security at Our Giving Kitchen. (Photo by David Rullo)
November 18, 2025, 2:44 pm
Jewish organizations work to meet increased need
“There is no question there is a lot of anxiety around food security,” he said.
By David Rullo
Yankel Vogel, left, reads the Megillah to Jewish prisoners as his father, Rabbi Moishe Mayer Vogel, looks on. With new restrictions, the rabbi fears access to Jewish prisoners may be more difficult in some state prisons across the nation. (Photo by Kimberly Greway)
September 18, 2025, 1:56 pm
Rabbi concerned about access to Jewish inmates in some prisons
“The only rehabilitation in the prison system,” he said, “is religion."
By David Rullo
Photo by EvgeniyShkolenko/iStock
August 11, 2025, 12:13 pm
Inmate’s request for kosher meals denied amid complicated questions of faith
“It’s imperative that a person who needs kosher food should be able to request it,” he said.
By David Rullo
Rabbi Yossi Friedman speaks at the Aleph Institute’s annual Second Chance Symposium at Chabad of Squirrel Hill on May 11. (Photo by Abigail Hakas)
May 16, 2025, 10:29 am
Aleph Institute’s symposium shines a light on Jewish life, worship and struggle in prison
With 85,000 Jewish people incarcerated nationwide, the Aleph Institute addresses spiritual and social needs through compassion and advocacy.
By Abigail Hakas
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar listens as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Shul of Bal Harbour on June 14, 2021 in Surfside, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
May 6, 2025, 10:00 am
Sholom Lipskar, influential Chabad rabbi who reshaped Florida community, dies at 78
Lipskar also founded the Aleph Institute, which serves Jews who are incarcerated or in the military.
By Philissa Cramer
Rabbi Moishe Vogel at the Aleph Institute in Squirrel Hill. (Photo by Quinn Glabicki/PublicSource)
March 3, 2025, 4:01 pm
Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel nominated for Shuman oversight board
"We’ve got to give these kids the opportunity to lead healthy lives.”
By David Rullo
Rabbi Moshe Mayir Vogel speaks during an Aleph Institute event. (Photo courtesy of Rabbi Moshe Mayir Vogel)
May 16, 2024, 11:25 am
Aleph Institute symposium highlights compassion for the incarcerated
Program is reminder that people need a ‘Second Chance’
By Adam Reinherz
Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel. (Photo by Toby Tabachnick)
July 13, 2023, 10:03 am
Jewish prisoners inspired by video ‘sermonettes’
Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel's short moral lessons combined with Torah study are broadcast on prison channels a few hours each week.
By Justin Vellucci
Rabbi Moishe Vogel stands inside in front of the new freezer and refrigeration units inside the new Shifra Shed. Photo by David Rullo.
August 1, 2022, 3:24 pm
Feeding those in need: New food storage shed is a game-changer for Project Shifra
"We’ve got people from every walk of life coming here. There is no stigma.”
By David Rullo
Inmates receive both seder plate and shelf-stable kosher meals from the Aleph Institute. Photo by David Rullo.
March 21, 2022, 4:42 pm
Aleph Institute set to resume in-person visits to Jewish prisoners
Prisoners who receive help from the Aleph Institute, and other similar organizations, know they aren’t alone, Vogel said.
By David Rullo
Anne Davis, Nechami Vogel and Mirel Vogel stand behind pallets of chicken and gefilte fish to be delivered for the holidays. Photo provided by Rabbi Moishe Vogel.
November 23, 2021, 10:16 am
Project Shifra: An unplanned safety net for Orthodox families
“This is community helping community,” Nechami Vogel said. “This is something I get to do and it’s one of my favorite parts of the week.”
By David Rullo
Rabbi Moishe Vogel at the Aleph Institute in Squirrel Hill. (Photo by Quinn Glabicki/PublicSource)
September 3, 2021, 6:24 am
Pittsburgh Jewish leaders are handed frontline role in mental health
Despite little formal training, rabbis and faith leaders are often key resources in people’s struggles with mental health. ‘We must know our strengths and limits,’ the leaders say.
By David Rullo and Chris Hedlin
The Aleph Institute has provided calendars for Jewish inmates that includes holiday, inspirational essays and other useful information. Artwork provided by Aleph Institute.
March 22, 2021, 12:11 pm
Aleph Institute ensures those in prison aren’t forgotten on Passover
“We might be imprisoned,” Vogel stressed, “but we’re not enslaved.”
By David Rullo
Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel has worked with chaplains for more than 30 years. Photo by Eliron Shkeidi
September 22, 2020, 11:26 am
A person cannot be ‘canceled’: Aleph Institute’s Rabbi Vogel on forgiveness
Vogel believes that anyone — inmates included — can do teshuva. So he views “cancel culture” as misguided.
By Kayla Steinberg
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