When we think of religious conversions in U.S. prisons, we conjure up images of Islamic fundamentalism infused with the roots of anti-Americanism. The issue resulted in high-level officials issuing worried statements about the phenomenon, with Congress even holding hearings with expert testimony on the radicalization of prisoners.
However, just last week, prisoners began embracing a slightly different approach.
Two women in a southern California prison converted to Judaism at their own B’not Mitzvah, the female equivalent of the entrance into Judaism ceremony traditionally held for 13 year-old Jewish males. Both women have Jewish ancestry but lacked any religious upbringing or education. Prior to the event, the women learned Hebrew, wrote speeches, and prepared to lead Torah portions for the ceremony.
One of the women described Judaism as:
“A lifeline of hope and light in an abyss of futility and despair…. [a] renewal style of Judaism embracing and encompassing other religious philosophies, adding an air of tolerance which is tantamount to spiritual practice behind prison walls.”
Many prisoners embrace religion in prison. Some of the inmates that convert to Islam forge a connection with extremists that push anti-American and violent sentiments. It seems that these women, among the many prison converts that embrace spirituality while rejecting violence, are a welcome addition to the American Jewish community.
