Exploring relationships of carceral justice work with Jewish thought and practice. Its name, “Matir Mochot [Who frees minds],” is based on the expression, “Matir Asurim [Who frees captives],” found in Psalms and the prayer book.
Blessings in Context: Who recites “Matir Asurim“? and why? See also “Praising the One Who Frees Captives with So Many in Chains” (graphic version) text-only version of “Praising the One Who Frees…” [updated on 5/24/24 with additional sources] If a person slept in their clothes, do they recite the morning blessing praising God as one … Continue reading Blessings in Context
Selection of books, articles, and other resources about some aspect of Jews and incarceration or Judaism and carceral justice
A famous passage in the Book of Jeremiah speaks of a “bush in the desert that doesn’t sense the coming of good” and a “tree planted by waters…that does not sense the coming of heat.” These images illustrate curse for “the individual who trusts in mortals” and blessing “for the individual who trusts in God” … Continue reading Abundance and Need
Most blessings Jews recite involve commandments between human and divine. What about blessings for actions between people?
!["Whoever in charge of Securus must don't have no locked up loved ones [criying emoji. broken heart. broken heart]" -- X post](https://vspatz.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/whoever-in-charge.png?w=772)
“Whoever in charge of Securus must don’t have no locked up loved ones. [Crying emoji. Broken heart. Broken heart.]” Judah approached “Then Judah approached him [vayigash eilav yehudah]” (Gen 44:18). At this point in the Genesis story, a powerful leader in Pharaoh’s court has a member of Judah’s family in custody, accused of a serious … Continue reading Judah Approached
On September 25, 2024 Professor Robin Bernstein joined Matir Asurim to explore connections between her new book, Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder that Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit; themes of teshuvah, repair and return; and the work of Matir Asurim.
Materials, some originally published by Matir Asurim: Jewish Care Network for Incarcerated People, designed to support Jewish spirituality for those experiencing incarceration and re-entry — and for their penpals/loved ones. Some holiday-related materials from Matir Asurim are available here. Daily practice-related materials from Matir Asurim are available here. Torah-related materials, originally published by Matir Asurim, … Continue reading Torah, Holidays, and More
Virginia Avniel Spatz 