(Courtesy of Chabad of Hackensack) It was a frigid Friday afternoon when Rabbi Mendy Kaminker rushed through the streets of Hackensack, his hands clutching a bundle of menorahs. The cold wind bit at his face as he hurried toward the Bergen County Jail. The approval had just come through — Jewish inmates would be allowed to light the menorah for the first time in history. There was no time to waste. Shabbat was approaching, and Rabbi Mendy was determined to get the menorahs to the jail in time.
For Rabbi Mendy and his wife, Shterna, this was more than just an initiative. It was the fulfillment of a mission deeply rooted in the Rebbe’s teachings. “The Rebbe always called upon us to remember the plight of Jewish inmates,” Rabbi Mendy explained. “He taught that on holidays, our priority should be those who cannot celebrate at home, whether they are in hospitals, jails or serving in the army. Here in Hackensack, we have both a hospital and a jail, and we are committed to reaching out to both.”
Chabad of Hackensack was established in 2019, initiated by Rabbi Efraim Simon of Chabad of Bergen County. From the beginning, its purpose was clear: to serve as a spiritual home for every Jew in the community, including those behind bars. The Bergen County Jail primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, and among them are Jews longing for a connection to their faith, to their people and most importantly, to God.
Over the years, Rabbi Mendy had visited the jail numerous times, especially on Jewish holidays. On Purim, the atmosphere in the jail changed for a few precious moments. Dressed in costume, Rabbi Mendy arrived with mishloach manot and a Megillah. As the words of the Megillah echoed through the hall, a small group of inmates listened intently, transported by the ancient tale of Jewish resilience and faith. Then came the dancing. With hands joined together, Rabbi Mendy and the inmates swayed to the lively beat of Purim songs. For a brief time, the walls of the jail faded away and the joy of Purim filled the space. In that moment, they were not inmates but Jews celebrating their bond with God and their heritage.
The following year, another milestone was achieved: for the first time, Jewish inmates participated in High Holiday services. They stood together, reciting the ancient prayers and listening to the shofar’s powerful blast. For some, it was a moment of deep reflection. For others, it was the first time in years that they had felt the presence of God so profoundly.
“These moments matter,” Rabbi Mendy said. “When you’re in a place where every day feels the same, where hope can be scarce, experiencing a holiday, a real spiritual moment, can mean everything. It reminds them that they are not forgotten, that they are still part of the Jewish people, and that God is always with them, no matter where they are.”
The number of Jewish inmates varies. During Chanukah, there were six. But no matter the number, the mission remains the same: to ensure that no Jew feels alone or disconnected from their faith.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of key individuals. Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Rabbi Joel Friedman, the Sheriff’s Office Jewish liaison, Rabbi Yehuda Erbst, the chaplain, and Warden Steven Ahrendt all played essential roles in making these initiatives a reality.
For those who wish to support Chabad of Hackensack’s efforts in bringing Jewish life and hope to inmates, reach out to Rabbi Mendy at [email protected] or visit www.chabadhackensack.com/donate. Together, we can continue the Rebbe’s mission: bringing light, faith and connection to even the darkest of places.
