Ultra-Orthodox Guide for Incarcerated Draft Dodgers Sparks Outrage

An organization called "Am Kadosh" (Holy Nation) has distributed a new halachic guide and calendar for incarcerated ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, sparking significant controversy. The guide, intended to address religious observance within prison, includes a controversial ruling regarding Shabbat observance and roll calls.

According to the guide, prisoners are permitted to participate in Shabbat roll calls, even if prison commanders mark their attendance with a checkmark, citing the principle of "feed the wicked and they shall die." This interpretation has led to widespread criticism and calls to ban the guide from Prison 10, where the inmates are held.

The halachic guide addresses various religious questions arising from prison life, including Shabbat conduct. It explains that despite commanders marking attendance, participating in roll calls on Shabbat is permissible under the aforementioned principle, regardless of who is involved. The guide also permits handling prohibited items on Shabbat to prevent greater transgressions and provides solutions for situations involving lights being turned on by non-observant Jews or gentiles, as well as instructions for reciting Kiddush in mixed company.

However, the guide strictly prohibits going to the isolation wing on Shabbat due to the automatic opening of electric doors. The "Am Kadosh" organization's project also includes a "Kiddush Journal" for inmates to document their experiences and study sessions during their incarceration, as part of their ongoing support for these prisoners.