Here is a selection of books, articles, and other resources about some aspect of Jews and incarceration or Judaism and carceral justice:

Books

In This Place Called Prison

Ethnography of religious life within a women’s prison. Discussion ranges over many issues for the incarcerated women as well as the position of the researcher in the study. Jews are a tiny minority in the facility, and their experience of Judaism and of minority-status is explored.

In this Place Called Prison: Women’s Religious Life in the Shadow of Punishment. Rachel Ellis. Univ. of California Press, 2023. Bookshop link. Author’s page. World Cat

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On Repentance and Repair

Wide-ranging discussion from Jewish sources and examples around us of harm, repair, and repentance. One chapter focuses specifically on these topics in relationship to carceral systems, but other sections are also relevant to individuals within these systems.

On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World. Danya Ruttenberg. Beacon Press, 2022. Bookshop link. Author’s Page. World Cat

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Religion in Prisons

Report provides job-related chaplaincy snapshot and second-hand views aboutincarcerated people. Study accidentally illustrates how non-Christian beliefs and practitioners are viewed as marginal — if not truly foreign. “Traditional religion and values” is property of Christianity. Some reference to Jews and other non-Christians, generally centered on Christian chaplains’ jobs — such as negotiating kosher meals. Survey is dated at this juncture, but no newer study is available, and this one is still cited.

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Articles

Jewish Exponent 2023: Teshuvah on the Inside: Jewish Alternatives to the Prison System. Includes role of community in teshuvah and related topics, as well as discussion of long sentences, medical care, and other reform-related topics.

RRC, 2018: “Rabbinic Students Help Keep Judaism Alive Behind Prison Walls.” Highlights then-student-rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, co-founder of Matir Asurim: Jewish Care Network for Incarcerated People.

Forward, 2013: “Jews in Prison“ — faith as antidote to anti-semitism

Dissertation, 2013 (citation only): A prisoner’s haggadah: Moses’s life journey as a path to repentance and hope for Jewish prisoners on San Quentin’s condemned row. Carole Hyman. San Francisco Theological Seminary is an interfaith institution.

SPLC, 2009: “David Arenberg Reflects on being Jewish in State Prison.” Souther Poverty Law Center summary: “An inmate describes how he survives the rigors of anti-Semitism on the yard, and ponders where the experience has brought him.”

Belief Net, 2000: “Jews in Jail“ — focuses largely on a now-dormant organization

NCJRS, 1993: “Problems of Adjustment for the Jewish Prisoner.” Summary: “Jewish prisoners sought each other out because of their common interest in Zionism than in spiritual satisfaction; they showed no interest in maintaining Jewish traditions. Resident chaplains demonstrated little concern for Jewish needs, but outside voluntary Jewish organizations tried to render assistance.” National Criminal Justice Resource Service.

Jewish Chronicle [UK], no year available: “Revealed: the inside story of the prison rabbis — Meet the chaplains whose flock includes murderers, rapists, and the odd fake Jew.” Mocks non-Jews interested in learning. Expresses shock that a Muslim cell-mate was not antisemitic. Generally disturbing glimpse into Jewish chaplaincy — not sure of year or how representative this might be — in UK prisons.

Tablet, 2023: “The Jewish Case for Prison Reform.” Focuses entirely on Chabad’s history and perspectives and on prison reform.

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Carceral Systems and Freeman’s Challenge — video conversation with Robin Bernstein, author of Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder that Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit. University of Chicago Press, 2024.

Ha Lachma Anya Passover Learning and Action — from Matir Asurim: Jewish Care Network for Incarcerated People

Winter Resources from Matir Asurim

Matir Asurim, is a phrase from Jewish liturgy, meaning “One Who Frees the Captives.” Matir Asurim: Jewish Care Network for Incarcerated People is an emerging network of community organizers and activists, people directly impacted by incarceration, artists, rabbis, chaplains, healers and dreamers creating Jewish care and providing resources for people who are incarcerated.

Website under renovation; in the interim, visit archival site

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Resources on Judaism and carceral justice are scattered across many platforms, but not easily found in any one collection. Please share any resources you’ve found.

SOME JEWISH SOURCES:

• A few relevant books; see also scattered reporting in Jewish periodicals
• “Building Jewish Life Behind Bars” one of many relevant stories at Jewish Currents
• “What if we Read Passover as a Solidarity Story,” one of many sources at Reconstructing Judaism
• Variety of Jewish source sheets published by individuals and organizations on the Sefaria text platform.

MORE GENERAL SOURCES:

• Abolitionist Futures is a UK-based site with an abundance of resource links, including this reading list updated in 2022.
• Haymarket Books offers print and e-books as well as events and other resources, on abolition and related issues.