The following letter was written to Rabbi Juda/Yehuda Mintz from a Jewish Inmate at Fort Dix Federal Penitentiary....
To whom it may concern:
It has been an extreme pleasure knowing Rabbi Juda Mintz. I came to the Federal Correction Institution at Fort Dix, New Jersey as a first-time offender in November 2003. I was extremely frightened of the unknown and had a difficult time coping with thoughts of my impending incarceration. I am 54 years old, and until committing a crime two years ago I was a respected businessman and involved in civic affairs where I live. In addition, I was highly respected and very involved in my Synagogue serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for 12 years, a member of the Executive Committee as a vice president for 5 years and as treasurer for 3 years. I have always considered that being a Jew and being involved in Judaism is an important part of my life as well as my family's.
Shortly after my arrival at Fort Dix I began attending Shabbat services. It was there that I met Juda Mintz. Upon entering the room in the chapel where the services are held, not knowing anyone there, it was Juda who welcomed me with a big smile, a warm handshake and a heartily "Shabbat Shalom". As I soon realized, Juda was the official Chazan for this small group of Jewish inmates. What a blessing!
It is Juda who holds this group together. In every sense Juda has been our Rabbi. He has been eloquent in leading Friday night Shabbat services and Saturday Torah readings and study. His continuous commentary has been instructional as well as thought provoking. His constant interpretation of the psalms during Shabbat services has demonstrated his sensitivity and compassion for his "congregation". Juda has introduced different melodies for many prayers and songs, explaining their origins. As we sing, it is his voice that rises above the rest in leadership. His voice will be sorely missed but I will forever hear it in my head. Juda's leadership during Torah Study has been incomparable. He carefully has explained the weekly Parsha and provokes highly intelligent discussion on its interpretation and meaning. He has shared with us many other scholars' writings on each Parsha. Juda also stays after each weekly Torah study or meets a few of us on Sunday mornings to help with our Hebrew reading. I have found this has greatly expanded my ability to read Hebrew at Shabbat services and Torah study. Juda is a skilled and patient educator.
For me, the traits that most exemplifies Juda's skills as a Rabbi have been on a personal level. Juda has been kind and compassionate in helping me deal with this most difficult time in my life. He is a good listener and always puts a positive spin on how we must make the best of this terrible situation. He is quick to point to passages in the Torah which have helped me realize that life will be better once I have dealt with this punishment for my sins. Juda has helped me with gaining a better understanding that we all learn from our sins and will be better persons someday. He has given me the ability to help my family deal with this situation.
Personally, I will greatly miss Rabbi Juda Mintz, but am very happy he will be leaving here to continue on with a most productive life for himself. I would be honored to someday have Rabbi Mintz as the spiritual leader of my congregation. He is a scholar, an educator and has pastoral skills that exemplify his care and compassion for his congregation.
Very Truly Yours,
Steven
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