Weiner’s New Home In Prison Offers Rabbi, Kosher Food, Shabbat Services

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

Anthony Weiner Image by Getty Images
Anthony Weiner reported Monday to the Federal Medical Center Devens, a federal prison in Massachusetts where he will spend the next 21 months after being convicted on charges of transferring obscene material to a minor. He will also be able to observe Jewish traditions there.
“With the assistance of this rabbi and other volunteers, FMC Devens provides services for the Sabbath as well as for Jewish holidays,” a spokesperson for the bureau said. “The current weekly Jewish program schedule includes Jewish study and a program with the rabbi on Wednesdays, Jewish prayer and study on Saturdays, and a Jewish Sabbath service on Fridays.”
The prison offers treatment programs for sex offenders, and it is likely Weiner will participate in these programs.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the facility works with a volunteer rabbi who is available for Jewish inmates, at their request.
The bureau did not provide the name of the rabbi visiting Devens.
According to the inmates’ handbook the prison also offers a “religious diet program” for inmates, including kosher food, if Weiner should be interested.
Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected] or on Twitter, @nathanguttman
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
