Igor Plotkin laid Tefillin for the first time, inside a Ukrainian jail as part of his journey back to his Jewish roots. "The hunger for spiritual sustenance comes often in-depth and darkness," Kyiv's chief Rabbi and the country's prison rabbi, Jonathan Markowitz said.
Read more:
Plotkin's only connection to Judaism was the beatings he got in school for being a Jew. He knew nothing about his faith which was not observed at home. As a teenager, he took on martial arts so that he would be able to respond to violent antisemitic attacks and be able to defend himself. In time, he hooked up with criminals and was often jailed.
Rabbi Markowitz encountered Plotk in on a visit to the prison where he was now interned, to provide solace to Jewish prisoners there and provide for their dietary and spiritual needs. This was the first time that the prisoner came face to face with the meaning of belonging to the Jewish faith. Holding back tears he asked the rabbi if he would be able to lay Tefillin, a first for him in his 28 years. "He said he always knew he was Jewish but never knew what that meant beyond being beat up," Moskowitz said.
3 View gallery
Rabbi Jonathan Markowitz (center) with his son a Ukrainian prison official
(Photo: Courtesy of Jewish Community Center Kyiv)
As the Passover holiday was approaching, Plotkin received a package of Matza to be followed by a siddur – a prayer book, and other scriptures. He has since maintained regular contact with the rabbi and asks to learn and increase his connection to his Jewish toots.
3 View gallery
Kosher food and books delivered to Jewish prisoners in Ukraine jail
(Photo: Courtesy of Jewish Community Center Kyiv)
He now organizes prayer groups and has amassed a modest library in his cell. "He says he is today most connected to Psalms," Moskowitz said. "He feels that King David had also experienced difficulties in life and was helped by G-d and says he too is protected by him," the rabbi said.
But Plotkin was not the only prisoner to discover his faith in jail. Moskowitz often visits prisons to spread hope in the hearts of Jewish inmates around the county. "Time for thought brings with it time for regret," Moskowitz said. "Jewish prisoners change for the better when they connect with their roots, which is why authorities ask us to visit more often," he said.