Ex-inmate sets up program to help Jews at Folsom

Many Jewish inmates in California's state prisons hide their Jewish identity out of fear of neo-Nazis, according to a Jewish chaplain.

Despite some opportunities for Jewish identity at Folsom State Prison near Sacramento, said Rabbi Ira Book, only between 15 and 20 Jews incarcerated there openly practice Judaism -- or even admit to being Jews.

Book estimates that between 60 and 100 Jews are incarcerated there.

"Some just don't much about their Jewish heritage," he said, "but a large number are afraid to admit to it -- it's a justified fear."

In a recent letter to Barney Ugarte, a member of Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco, a Folsom inmate wrote of the obstacles one must hurdle "to maintain and nourish our Jewish faith...in this environment."

As a former Folsom inmate, Ugarte understands completely.

"Along with the isolation there's a very large neo-Nazi presence there," said Ugarte, who was released on parole in July after serving 22 months for conspiracy to counterfeit, a nonviolent, white-collar crime. Describing a backlash that includes rape, intimidation, threats and violent attacks, he said, "Imagine men with enormous swastikas tattooed on their bellies. You have to be very careful about identifying as a Jew."

While in Folsom, Ugarte chose to be one of the practicing Jews. Although targeted at times by anti-Semites, he explained, "Judaism is at the core of my being."

And in the months since he chanted the Hebrew prayer said upon one's release from prison, Ugarte said his thoughts have remained focused on the Jewish prisoners.

Troubled by both the stifling effects of the neo-Nazi presence and prisoners' isolation from the outside world, Ugarte decided to take action. His recently formed Jewish Life Inmate Prison Project will target those Jews sentenced to life in Folsom by providing them with an essential Jewish lifeline outside the prison bars.

"Some of these guys' families are far away or have given up on them completely; they have no outside Jewish contact," said Ugarte. "One guy has done almost 30 years behind the wall and may never get out. The need for people like him to get some connection is critical." Under the auspices of two Beth Sholom programs -- the Keshet and Va'ad Zedek -- inmates will receive several items and services. They include membership at the Conservative synagogue; a monthly newsletter; regular correspondence; visits by congregants; ritual materials; a care package with pre-approved foods like cereal, coffee and instant soup, or clothes such as long underwear and tennis shoes; and special prayer services and/or celebrations during certain Jewish holidays. "The difference between having outside contact and not having outside contact is like the difference between night and day," said Ugarte, who has already found five interested inmates and hopes to encourage more.

"If they do eventually get out of prison, they'll be affiliated with a synagogue," he said, "and maybe we can help them with the transition. Getting out is a scary experience. One guy has been behind bars for so long that he's never even used a microwave."

Ugarte and Beth Sholom participants are currently raising the $2,000 necessary to bring the program into fruition. Their first major fund-raising event, a benefit concert of jazz, folk and opera music, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Friedman Center at Congregation Beth Sholom, 1301 Clement St. A donation of $10 is requested.

Ugarte does not fear that the program's recognition will put the inmates in any extra danger of neo-Nazis since those who choose to participate are already openly practicing Jews.

"If anything," he said, "it will give them a little bit of dignity," describing his prison garb of worn, improperly fitted brown boots, three shirts, two pairs of pants and a very thin jacket for winter weather, which can drop down to a "freezing 20 degrees." Book, who will assist the project from the prison end, said Ugarte's goal is "wonderful." Such assistance will play a critical role in aiding the prisoners' recovery and perhaps undoing some of the taboos placed on Jews in prison. "Any contact that says you are important to us, that we want to support you in terms of your health, recovery and -- if paroled -- your re-entrance into the stream is a vital linkage," he said. "We're seeing a type of outreach here that hasn't before been expressed by the Jewish community."

Ugarte emphasized that he isn't doing anything above or beyond the call of duty for a Jew. It is, of course, a mitzvah, "to care for someone who is in prison," he said. But, in a lot of ways, it's just a matter of common sense.

"Judaism provides for every Jew a chance to return to God and a chance to return to yourself," said Ugarte. "We're helping to give these inmates a vehicle to repent and return to God. Every Jew deserves the opportunity and the right to do that."

Other San Francisco Stories

AIPAC hosts four area events with Sen. Dick Durbin

Lavey Derby takes helm as Board of Rabbis president

Hey, don't touch that dial! Click the mouse instead

Teens tackle coexistence, Mideast strife at JCC Club 18

Vatican wants U.S. to quash Holocaust survivors' suit

Other East Bay Stories

Lehrhaus classes probe concept of Jews as global citizens

Berkeley board delays decision on Beth El till Dec. 14

East Bay playwright to perform solo show

Other South Bay Stories

What's good for Mother Goose is good for the gander

Other North Bay Stories

What is a Jewish book? Panelists find no simple answer