Q. Is there a mitzva of Pidyon Shevuim to try to free a Jewish convicted murderer who has been imprisoned for 28 years? He now puts on tefilin and is a hopeful complete baal teshuva. Should money be collected for helping him seek his release?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, if he indeed is remorseful and contrite on the murder he committed and is also on his way to becoming a baal teshuva, he is entitled to pidyon shevuim.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a