The Aleph Institute has recently launched a new and exciting program - "Challah for Shabbat" to benefit Jewish inmates in correctional facilities across the country.

Challah is a special braided bread eaten by all Jews on the Jewish Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

According to Jewish tradition, the three Sabbath meals (Friday night, Saturday lunch, and Saturday late afternoon) and two holiday meals (one at night and lunch the following day) each begin with two complete loaves of bread. This "double loaf" commemorates the manna that fell from the heavens when the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years after the Exodus from Egypt. The manna did not fall on the Sabbath or holidays; instead, a double portion would fall the day before the holiday or sabbath. It is these hunks of bread, recognizable by their traditional braided style that are commonly referred to as challah.

In accordance with this custom, Aleph has begun sending out Challah bread for a number of Jewish inmates in correctional facilities across the country, bringing the warmth and tradition of Shabbat to them.

Many facilities hold Shabbat services every Friday night for their Jewish inmates. Following the services, the Challah is distributed. Many have commented that this new addition to their weekly gathering has added a “warm and homey feeling to our group”.

The feeling of comradeship amongst the Jewish inmates has grown.

Since the program's inception, Aleph has received an overwhelming number of responses.

As one man so aptly said; "Having the Challah as a part of our services, symbolized to me the fact that our being Jewish existed over and above the fact of our all being incarcerated".

To participate in this program or for more information, please contact Rochel Zipp at at 310-598-2142.