Ahead of Passover, the Israel Prison Service has completed preparations in correctional facilities across the country to allow inmates to observe the holiday according to Jewish tradition. In a formal ceremony held in recent days, IPS Chief Commissioner Lieutenant General Kobi Yaakobi sold the organization’s chametz to Israel’s Chief Rabbis, together with the IPS Chief Rabbi, Deputy Commissioner Eyal Salman.
Kosher Preparations in Hundreds of Prison Kitchens
The Prison Service’s Rabbinical Division has overseen the koshering of hundreds of kitchens and kitchenettes in facilities throughout Israel. Inmates are being provided with matzah, grape juice, charoset, and other basic components of the Seder, ensuring they can participate in the central customs of the holiday.
Over the past month, Torah classes in prison learning programs have focused on the laws of koshering utensils and general Passover practices. Inmates who expressed interest in leading seders within their wings received training from IPS rabbis. Study materials and limited recreational content were also distributed for use during the intermediate days of the festival (Chol HaMoed).
6,000 Liters of Wine, Tons of Matzah and Poultry
In preparation for the holiday, the Prison Service acquired:
- 1,000 kilograms of handmade matzah
- 1,000 kilograms of shmura handmade matzah with high-level kosher certification
- 20,000 kilograms of standard matzah
- 8.8 tons of poultry
- 6,000 liters of wine
- 200 sets of Passover prayer books (machzorim)
These provisions reflect the Service’s policy of enabling inmates to observe religious customs in a structured and controlled environment.
Supervised Inspections Carried Out Nationwide
Rabbis from the Prison Service conducted thorough inspections in all relevant prison units to confirm that preparations met halachic requirements and that each facility was ready for the holiday.
