Matir Mochot (The One Who Frees Minds)

This section of my website was set up to explore 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.

One major inspiration for this site is Matir Asurim: The Jewish Care Network for Incarcerated People. Some explorations here overlap with that organization’s work. This site is separate, however.

The Matir Asurim organizational website says:

Matir Asurim literally translates as “The One Who Frees Captives.” This phrase from Jewish liturgy refers to God’s power to act for freedom and/or humanity’s ability to manifest godliness through working for freedom.

But there is also a great deal of Jewish commentary, over the ages, on the expression, “Matir Asurim,” its place in the morning liturgy, and links between the morning blessings and Psalm 146.

עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפָּט לָעֲשׁוּקִים נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לָרְעֵבִים יְהֹוָה מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים׃

who secures justice for those who are wronged,
gives food to the hungry.
YHVH sets captives free; — Psalm 146:7

And there is so much to learn, from Jewish tradition and from current carceral justice work and study.

May this site foster learning, connection, and deepening commitment to manifesting godliness through working for freedom.

breaking chain image imposed atop ritual fringes: two hands in fists pull apart a chain; image superimposed on corners and fringes of a prayer shawl — breaking chain over tzitzit [image description below]

Blessed is the One Who Frees Minds

Image description: breaking chain image imposed atop ritual fringes: two hands in fists pull apart a chain; image superimposed on corners and fringes of a prayer shawl