An Understanding of Love

Back in 1972, Rabbi Grossman implemented the Prison Rehabilitation Program in Migdal Ha’Emek. Since many children had parents in prison, the program was established to reconcile families and rehabilitate parents. During that first year, Rabbi Grossman held a Chanukah party for the prisoners. At the celebration Rabbi Grossman approached one of participants and kissed him. A week later he received a post card from the man with the words: “I am the prisoner whom you kissed last week. I would like you to know that since I was born, this is the first time I have ever felt that someone has really loved me”. Rabbi Grossman was so touched by the note, realizing that there are people who have never received love. He returned to the prison and gave the same prisoner 10 more kisses! He came to the conclusion that if we took good care of these people, showed them love, embraced them with warmth and sentiment; they could grow to become people we could all be proud of.

Rabbi Grossman’s deep understanding of how to change lives led him to the idea of establishing Migdal Ohr, a place where children would receive a warm home, love and an education. That became his dream.

Now in its 37th year, the Prison Rehabilitation Program is phenomenally successful and responsible for thousands of prisoners being integrated into mainstream society and reconciling with their children. Our program graduates have a 20% recidivism rate, compared to the 86% rate among the general prison population.

Forty years later, Rabbi Grossman’s dream has been realized beyond anything he could imagine. Today, close to 7,000 children and families lives are changed each year by the loving home and education that Migdal Ohr provides.