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Who Knew The Tombs Allowed Jailhouse Bar Mitzvahs?


By

Jen Chung

Published Jun 11, 2009

Modified Jun 11, 2009


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By

Jen Chung

Published Jun 11, 2009

Modified Jun 11, 2009


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Actually, the Tombs—aka the Manhattan Detention Complex— doesn't really allow bar (or bat) mitzvahs to be thrown there, which is why Corrections Department officials, including a rabbi and imam, were disciplined for allowing one inmate to throw his son's bash there. The Post reports that Tuvia Stern, a "financial scam artist," got the okay to "use his own caterer, who supplied kosher food, china, forks -- and knives -- for about 60 guests who partied and danced the hora for six hours in the jailhouse gym. Stern's family and friends were allowed to keep their cellphones -- normally a huge security no-no. And Stern was given the OK to dress in clothing appropriate for the occasion." Corrections Commissioner Martin Horn was reportedly "livid"—guess finding out that the department paid for the overtime of guards who were staffed at the event wasn't fun.

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bar mitzvah

department of corrections

hora

jailhouse party


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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