"NO FAVORS"
BS"D 13 Kislev 5773 (November 27, 2012)
"NO FAVORS, NO FAVORS, NO FAVORS!!!"
The BOP has a common expression which it uses: "no favors". For instance, if someone were to ask a staff member
if they can do a favor for them or help them with something, they always respond "we don't do favors here".
It's always said that the Jews receive favors, or that the BOP gives us more than they give to others. The truth of
the matter is that there is no favoritism. As the BOP says themselves, in their own words, "they don't do any
favors". Anything that is granted, for any reason, is because the BOP believes it in their benefit to give rather than
not.
There are arguments that other religions also want the same things as Jews get, or that they don't get as much. But,
if the BOP finds any legitimate basis to the claim, then the BOP should grant it. If it is a legitimate need, then
there's no reason it shouldn't be granted. And whatever is given, it can't be claimed as a favor, as there are no
favors. Whatever is given is because it's believed that it's legitimate and necessary to be given.
Freedom of Religion under the First Amendment is a fundamental foundation in this country, even for prisoners. BOP
Policy states that the BOP must make all efforts to provide an inmate with his religious needs. The definition of all
efforts means, literally, to make ALL EFFORTS, and not everything should be denied on a supposed basis of
"security". Most requests do not interfere in any manner with security. Most denials are only due to laziness or
monetary considerations. In fact, when it comes to any interest of the BOP, then they have the monetary and
security resources to make it happen. But on the other hand, any other request, whatever the request may be, it is
usually denied, with any excuse they can come up with on the basis of supposed "security" or any other consideration.
We ask that the Chapel should be open, but the BOP answers that it can't due to "security", or in many instances no
rationale or reason is given. If not for "security", they have no excuse to say no. If we ask for Shabbos meals, the
chaplains
also try to mix it in with security or favoritism. Shabbos meals are a
fundamental requirement for Jews. Favoritism means that the
authorities are giving to one group but not to another. If another
religion or group has
this requirement or any other, they should be given it as well. It's not a matter of favoritism or not. Our religion
requires it; theirs doesn't (unless that's not true, and then they should be given it as well).
We do not ask any favors. Every request we ask is based on outright Jewish Law and Traditions. And even what the
BOP and chaplains do grant us is the minimum or less of what is required.
Rabbis and friends, you can explain to the chaplains and authorities what our obligations and requirements are
according to Jewish Law and Tradition. You can educate them regarding the matters of: what Shabbos means, what
Shabbos meals are, and how we must conduct these meals. And the same, regarding the importance of our having
access to the Chapel to pray 3 times a day, plus Torah classes and learning. The essence of being a Jew is be able to
learn and pray. When we are denied this, we are, in fact, being denied to practice being Torah Observant Jews.
We need to go according to Dina d'Malchusa Dina, and we need to demand our rights, with the greatest respect and
honesty, to receive the rights which are afforded us according to the U.S. Constitution and BOP Policy. As they say,
there are no favors. And they will not do favors for us. Neither do we ask favors.
If you will stand up for your brothers, you cannot imagine how far you can go. You must remember, no one knows
what the next day will bring. Who knows, when you stand up, if you are not standing up for yourself or someone you
know in the future. As the mitzvah of Lo Saamod al Dam Rei'echa in the Chinuch says, that you must stand up for
your friend, as today is your friend, and tomorrow you can be, Heaven forbid. And the biggest protection for you,
that you shouldn't be in the same situation, is if you stand up for your brother.
Please take this into serious consideration, and stand up for your brothers at this difficult time. The truth of the
matter is that the main reason Hashem brought this situation for some people is to give opportunity for our brothers
to fulfill the groisse mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim. Throughout history, Jews have exercised at great risk and loss this
mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim, which even in this great country of ours still requires to be observed and carried out.
In the merit of the greatest mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim, Hashem
should help that we fulfill our obligations, and the authorities should
grant our rights, as Dina d'Malchusa says. And Hashem should help that
there be no Yidden in jail,
as everything will be fulfilled as it is supposed to be.
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FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVE OUR MESSAGES AND BECOME
ENCOURAGED, BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, IN
GENERAL WHAT YOU CAN DO IS ENCOURAGE THOSE
PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH THE
AUTHORITIES TO ENCOURAGE THEM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE PEOPLE TRY TO HELP US AND
WANT TO HELP US. BUT THEY ARE BUSY. AND WHEN
YOU CALL THEM AND ENCOURAGE THEM, YOU BRING
FORWARD THE ISSUE AND BRING IT TO THE FORE. AS A
RESULT OF YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, THEY PUSH THE
ISSUE. AND IT IS A RESULT OF YOUR PHONE CALL.
QUESTION: WHAT CAN I DO?
ANSWER: YES, YOU CAN DO: CALL THE ASKANIM AND
REQUEST THAT THEY BRING FORWARD THESE ISSUES.
Thank you!
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