Today was Yom Kippur, which, according to my reformed Jewish faith, is a mandatory fast day. I love being Jewish. I love being trans and being Jewish. I experienced a lot of backlash because of my religion and how much I love my religion. I filled out the required [unclear] agreement and the facility request form, and sent it to IPM — which stands for Institutional Program Manager — A. Coleman. She approved it. I was on the master pass list for the afternoon service, but surprisingly and mysteriously, I wasn’t on the list to get fed tonight. Never mind the fact that I haven’t eaten since dinner last night.
There was no breakfast this morning because she canceled breakfast at five o’clock before the sun came up, which is mysterious in and of itself. So, as soon as I found out I filed emergency grievance, but I was told by Sergeant Barker that I wasn’t on the list. I walked up to the chow hall and found out I wasn’t the only one not on the list, but that most people were on the list that filled out the same paperwork I did.
So, now I’m forced to wait eight hours for a response and probably no food still. Never mind the fact that I have low blood sugar issues. This isn’t the first time that I’ve had issues as a transgender Jewish inmate. I had to go to the Messianic Jewish services on Friday just to be able to attend Sabbath services because the Orthodox Jewish service is held on Monday. Who’s ever heard of Sabbath on the Monday? That’s a new one, even to me. I’m planning to get Havdalah services approved for Saturday evenings here in Hainesville, even though the VA DOC has already approved this service statewide. Modern-day computers, we can’t just punch a button and pull up what’s been approved yet. Interesting.
I’m trying to get a Jewish women’s head scarf approved to fulfill the commandment or mitzvot, as is said in Hebrew, to cover one’s head when you travel more than six feet. I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure the women’s facility already has this approved. Another interesting situation. But on a somewhat happier note, I encourage everyone to watch the documentary entitled A Queer Country, which I found on Pluto TV, which we got on our new tablets, which is an interesting and lively documentary about the Jewish pride movement in Israel. It’s worth a watch for anyone, no matter what your beliefs are. Thank you.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
