When I created STAR-K’s whimsical “Kosher Basics” power point for Kosher home employees, little did I imagine it would be shown in Maryland’s correctional facilities. I started believing it on that rainy, dreary day in November, as I drove up the long, winding road to Jessup’s medium security prison, surrounded by guarded watchtowers and tall, barbed wire fences.

After passing through a high security checkpoint, STAR-K Kashrus Administrator, Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld, used the power point to teach correctional facility managers how to implement the Religious Diet Program. The program, mandated by Governor Martin O’Malley in April, accommodates inmates whose religious dietary needs cannot be met by the Division of Correction’s regular menu. Interestingly, because Maryland law states that inmates may change their religious affiliation every two months, ever since the inception of the Religious Diet Program, the demand for Kosher in Maryland’s prisons is on the rise. Since February, the declared number of kosher inmates rose from 129 to over 300. STAR-K was retained as a consultant for putting this vegetarian/vegan program into practice.

Rabbi Kurcfeld’s presentation explained the Kosher basics and debunked Kosher myths.  The certification process, acceptable Kosher symbols, and special days on the Jewish calendar were discussed, as well as the specifics and implementation of the Religious Diet Program. In addition, attendees were asked for feedback in troubleshooting some problematic concerns for prison kitchens, such as trief sink issues. They were also encouraged to ask questions about Kashrus. Their questions included: Is chocolate milk kosher? If we have to check eggs for blood spots, why can boiled eggs be eaten without prior checking? Are there products that do not have a kosher symbol that are kosher? Can a non-kosher person prepare a meal on the Sabbath for a kosher inmate?

This is not the first proposed Kosher program for Maryland’s inmates; one was introduced over a decade ago, but did not succeed. Then, about four years ago, Rabbi Dr. Harold Axelrod, chaplain of the Maryland Transition Center in Baltimore, received a call from then Governor Robert Ehrlich’s office to rejuvenate the program. In addition to Governor O’Malley, credit for implementing the Religious Diet Program, which was initiated last Pesach, goes to Colm P. O’Comartun, director of the Governor’s office, Rabbi Herzl Kranz, rabbi of the Silver Spring Jewish Center, and Richard West, director of Correctional Food Service.

“We have been able to provide kosher food to the four religious groups, with the help of Rabbi Axelrod, who came up with the policy,” says Mr. West. “And, now that we’re lucky to have Rabbi Kurcfeld on board, representing premier rabbinical input into the program, it puts the icing on the cake. We, as a state institution, strive to meet the covenant and requirements of the religions; as such, this is just one additional venue in which we are meeting them.”

Rabbi Axelrod could not agree more about the program’s importance. “I think it is a terrific program,” says Rabbi Axelrod. “A lot of time and effort went into it. If it wasn’t for Mr. West, it couldn’t have happened. His dedication to make it right is simply superlative.”

Two years ago, before the Religious Diet Program was instituted, a former Orthodox prisoner confided in me that he went for two weeks before he was able to obtain kosher food during his incarceration.

“There was absolutely no kosher food available,” says the former prisoner. “I existed on fresh fruits and vegetables, and potato chips. It was very difficult and very isolating. I was never sure how long I would have to wait between “meals”, and I was not sure how long it would take to get kosher food, if I was going to get it, at all.”

Although he feels the Religious Diet Program is a valuable one, Rabbi Kurcfeld stresses its limitations and encourages the Orthodox inmate to seek counsel from his or her Rav. “We are not endorsing or claiming responsibility, in any ongoing manner, for the program,” emphasizes Rabbi Kurcfeld. “Nor are we saying that it meets halachic standards. However, it does offer some sort of reasonable level of Kashrus that works within the constraints and confines of the prison system; I feel confident about that.”

Local Kashrus agencies and Rabbonim interested in developing a “Religious Diet Program” in their state may contact Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld at Star-K, 410-484-4110, x 206, for assistance.

(YWN Desk – NYC)