Chief Rabbi Visits Prisons Ahead of High Holidays

The Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, conducted a special visit to the Israel Prison Service (IPS) facilities on Thursday, ahead of Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days. The visit aimed to strengthen the prison staff and offer words of Torah to inmates.

Rabbi Yosef began his tour at the office of IPS Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, where he participated in a New Year's toast. Also present were the Chief Rabbi of the IPS, Rabbi Eyal Salman, head of the Prisoner's Affairs Directorate Yariv Cohen, commander of the Central District Shlomi Sagie, and other senior officials.

During his remarks, Rabbi Yosef congratulated the IPS command and staff, praising the commissioner for his efforts in reinforcing governance within detention facilities while upholding humane treatment and rehabilitation programs. He later visited Nitzan Detention Center with the commissioner, where he delivered a Torah lesson to staff and detainees, accompanied by unit rabbis and the deputy commander of the detention center.

The Chief Rabbi then proceeded to a New Year's toast for the command and staff of the Central District, extending blessings for the new year to the prison guards and their families. He spoke about the significance of Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the connection between the daily mission of IPS personnel and the values of responsibility, dedication, and public service.

Rabbi Yosef concluded his visit at Ayalon Prison, where he addressed inmates in the religious wing, delivering a Torah lesson in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Throughout the visit, he focused on encouraging the staff and providing spiritual guidance to both personnel and prisoners.