Jews, Prison and Spirituality - "What’s a nice Jewish girl like you doing in a place like this?" with Elaine (Sneierson) Leeder, MSW, MPH, PhD, Dean Emerita/Professor Emerita Sonoma State University.

For the last twenty-eight years Elaine Leeder has been working in prisons, first at Elmira Correctional Facility, then San Quentin, and now in prisons all over the state of California. Her teaching, then running self-help groups and now doing Victim/Offender Dialogues, has shown her that there is redemption, remorse and contrition behind the walls. People can be transformed even in the most oppressive of circumstances.

Leeder will discuss the Jewish values like Teshuvah, Chesed and Tikkun Olam that deeply inform her work. She will describe the forgiveness she sees in victims (or victims’ families) for some of the most horrendous of crimes like murder, kidnapping, rape and robbery. Her presentation will focus on real situations that will inspire and touch you in profound ways. Her own growth has been deeply informed by these powerful stories.

Co-Sponsored by the Social Action Committee and the Lifelong Learning Committee.

$12 member, $18 nonmember suggested donation for the catered meal.

On the second Friday of each month, join your Shomrei Torah family at the Rabbi’s Tisch (table) in lieu of regular Friday night Shabbat service. 

Evening Schedule (times are approximate):
6:15 - 6:45 - Shabbat Blessings and Meal
6:45 - 7:10 - Misheberach and Kaddish
7:15 - 8:15 - Speaker Presentation

You may also join us virtually via Livestream or Facebook Live. The Zoom link is available in your weekly CST Connect email or by request. If you missed a previously live-streamed service, view our Video Library.

Please reserve your seat below to attend in person.