Special ceremonies make PCF kitchen facilities Kosher

PUTNAMVILLE -- The word Kosher to some individuals may be foreign, and for others, a familiar way of daily life.

A Hebrew word meaning fit or proper, Kosher describes the practice of following Old Testament and rabbinical rules regarding food.

Recently, some Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) facilities -- including the Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF) -- have opened Kosher kitchens to provide religiously appropriate meals for offenders who require them.

"Our goal is to be open minded and accommodating for the religious beliefs of our offender population, as much as security and safety in our facility will allow us," PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight said.

Several weeks ago, Rabbi Menachem Fellig visited Putnamville Correctional Facility to "Kosher" -- or make fit for use in accordance with Jewish food law -- a special secured section of the prison kitchen.

Many new items were bought, while the stove and other equipment which had previously been used with non-Kosher food, were heated to a high temperature by Rabbi Fellig with a propane torch.

"Koshering isn't about making items sanitary," Rabbi Fellig said. "Koshering is about making cooking prep areas free from non-approved food items, in accordance with Jewish teachings."

All Kosher meals are prepared with certified Kosher ingredients by specially trained staff and offenders. Following the process exactly ensures that the meals meet the religious and nutritional needs of the population.

"The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) is seeing an increasing demand for kosher meals to meet a variety of religious needs. Preparing kosher meals in house will allow the IDOC to meet religious and nutritional needs in a financially responsible way," David Liebel, director of Religious Services for IDOC, said.

Offenders seeking to participate in the Kosher meals program are screened by a small committee at the DOC Central Office.

Although Kosher food is typically associated with Orthodox Judaism, offenders from a wide variety of religious backgrounds are accommodated through this program.