Chaplain Gary Friedman OBM
Chaplain Gary Friedman, left this world on February 9, 2016, 30 Shevat 5776 on the Hebrew calendar.
Chaplain Gary Friedman was the founder of JPSI. Gary was a good friend and mentor to many over the years. He was a primary source of research into correctional chaplaincy through the ACCA website. His devotion and support for Jewish Prisoner Services International, the Congregation Shaarei Teshuvah, and the American Jail Association are legendary. In chaplaincy to inmates in the jails in Washington and Oregon, he will be greatly missed -- as he will be greatly missed by so many in correctional chaplaincy.
Stephen Eisenshank OBM
Stephen Wayne Eisenshank lost his battle with cancer on January 9, 2022, 28 Teves 5782.
He was an Electrician Mate 3rd Class in the Navy. He served in the Vietnam War on the USS Constellation.
In our community Steve, as he liked to be called, loved growing plants and had an uncanny way with animals. He would hand feed the wild rabbits, squirrels and birds.
Steve was a dedicated member of the Chabad House Minyan and of the JPSI board where he was a staunch advocate for transparency. He donated many bibles and prayer books. He made many donations to the kitchen at the Chabad House Minyan.
Michael Shemesh Z’’L
Michael Shemesh (z”l) returned his neshamah (soul) to HaShem early on September 27th, 2019, 27 Elul 5779.
During the time that we at JPSI knew Michael he was very active in ensuring the needs of fellow Jewish prisoners were met. He advocated for Jewish services, worked to ensure there was grape juice and challah for Shabbat, and was always learning.
Michael Gordon Strauss Z’’L
Michael Gordon Strauss returned his soul to Hashem on October 31, 2016, 29 Tishrei 5778.
He was a soldier in Vietnam and had a love of motorcycles. He made regular donations to JPSI to help us provide foods for the holidays, and care for the needs of the inmates.