"Judaism Intertwines with Worldly Good": A Qualitative Study on Religious Rehabilitation Programs in the Israeli Prison Service

Abstract

Background: Religion with its religious institutions has played a key role in shaping punishment and rehabilitation of offenders throughout history. The aim of these programs is to transform a person spiritually and lead them to intrapersonal changes on the religious level by prompting repentance or the reaffirmation of one's faith.Objectives: We present qualitative findings from an evaluation of two religious programs operating in the Israeli Prison Service: The Torah Rehabilitation Program (TRP) that functions as a religious community within prison walls, and the Torah Study Program (TSP) in which prisoners participate faith-based studies four hours a day. The main research question that led the researchers was how Judaism provides opportunities for prisoner's rehabilitation.Method: This research is a qualitative study that includes seven interviews with seven Rabbis who work in the Israeli Prison Service and lead the religious programs. The interviewees were involved in the formulation and implementation of the religious correctional programs. Results:The interviewees have raised a link between Jewish beliefs and practices, including atonement, and the foundations of prisoners' rehabilitation. Among the themes that have been raised: promoting moral action; giving prisoners a second chance; providing opportunities for repentance and atonement; supervision; placing emphasis on behavioral norms; focusing on belonging and commitment to a community; working alongside Torah; learning and providing a unique response to each individual according to their characteristics and needs. Conclusions:The emerging themes raised in the interviews correspond well with theoretical ideas found in the field of corrections in general and in positive criminology in particular.

“There is More to It than Recidivism” – Outcome Scores among Released Prisoners who participated in Prison-Based “Employment World” Programmes

“…Furthermore, considering the unique sociocultural context of Israel, influenced by factors such as Judaism, the concept of repentance (Haviv et al 2020) and legal restrictions on inquiring about criminal history during hiring (Peled et al 2019), provides insights into the complexities surrounding our findings. These factors probably contribute to positive employment outcomes and the reduction of stigma associated with a criminal record, further reinforcing the programme's success.…”

Can't Buy Me Love: Gift‐Giving Among Members of Criminal Organizations

“…Specifically, policy makers could benefit from further exploring how gift-giving relations among criminals are related to recidivism. Such research could potentially help in devising rehabilitative programs within the correction facility to help offenders foster substitute community ties and expand their social support networks, so as to increase their chances of obtaining and maintaining normative integration in the community post-release (Haviv et al 2020). The second is theoretical.…”

Personal and Relational Processes of Repentance in Religious Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Families

“…Few studies have examined resources that aid individuals in their repentance. However, available studies have found that religious practices and rituals (e.g., confession), interpersonal relationships (e.g., family, friends, support groups, clergy), a relationship with the divine, internal reflection, and self-control reportedly enable and support repentance (Abernethy et al 2016; Fachitiandi and Permadi 2020; Haviv et al 2020; Hendricks, Cazier, et al 2023). Individuals also report turning to their religious leaders or clergy for assistance in their repentance (Skidmore et al 2022).…”

“…Repentance and seeking divine forgiveness are also forms of religious coping (Pedersen et al 2013). Additionally, repentance may lead to positive behavioral outcomes, such as virtue development, rehabilitation, and an increased ability to resist vices (Ano et al 2017; Haviv et al 2020; Hendricks, Cazier, et al 2023). Engaging in repentance can also facilitate a deeper sense of relationship with God and lead to increased perception of divine forgiveness (Clayton-Jones et al 2016; Witvliet, Ludwig, and Bauer 2002).…”