"Everyone Deserves a Chance to Correct Their Actions": On the Work of the Yeshiva Rabbi at 'Hermon' Prison

As the yeshiva rabbi at the Hermon prison in the north of the country, Rabbi David Ohonona is involved in unique and exceptional work. This isn't just another facility with regular activities; it's a facility with a therapeutic and rehabilitative approach. Prisoners arriving here know that with proper, consistent personal work and full cooperation with the treatment team, they have a chance to emerge to entirely new and different lives than what they knew before entering.

These are prisoners serving 'relatively short' sentences, up to five years, but according to Rabbi Ohonona, the challenges with them are no less demanding than with those serving time for major crimes. "We treat prisoners suffering from various levels of addictions—from drugs and alcohol to different forms of violence," says Rabbi Ohonona. Despite his young age, he has already served as a rabbi in the military for eight years, as well as at Megiddo and Kishon prisons.

So how does Hermon prison differ from other prisons in the country? A prisoner who enters undergoes a process of resocialization—essentially, reeducation. "A whole team of psychologists and other professionals build a comprehensive therapeutic program, from A to Z, to help him fully rehabilitate and function like any other person once he’s released."

Rabbi Ohonona in the yeshiva at the prison

It's surprising to discover that out of 600 prisoners at the facility, only 60 are in the religious ward. Why? A good question. It turns out that to qualify for this ward, prisoners must pass a special acceptance committee, which includes a personal interview with the rabbi and an assessment of their seriousness and commitment to their goals. "There are demands in the religious ward not found elsewhere, and a prisoner wishing to belong must not only declare his future intentions to keep the commandments but also actively practice them for a period," says Rabbi Ohonona.

What is the daily routine for prisoners in this ward?

"It's quite varied. On one hand, they have their community life, freedom, and space for activity. On the other hand, they must show up during set times throughout the day to study and pray in the yeshiva. Additionally, there are therapeutic groups where prisoners internalize various life insights, and here the religious aspect helps the prisoner learn how to correct his character traits and overcome emotional difficulties, depending on his addiction."

There is no bad person—only a bad action

May I ask about the less pleasant aspect of your work? You sit before someone you know has committed an unforgivable act that harmed another. How do you help such a person purely and without judgment?

"In my role and that of the wonderful guidance team assisting me, there's no room for falling into such a trap. We understand that we must separate the deed from the person, and this is our guiding motto. We are here to accept everyone, love everyone, and help everyone, regardless of whether the offense was minor or major. My job is to impart values that no one has ever given them, which is why they've ended up where they have. Everyone deserves a second chance to correct their actions, and Hashem is merciful and helps all His children, no matter how far they've fallen."

But let's not deceive ourselves into thinking it's easy work. "It's incredibly complex and challenging to engage daily with a population that society has rejected. If I don't believe that a prisoner can emerge from his situation and reach a better state, then I have no place here. Frankly, if such a situation ever arises, that will be the end of my career. My fulfillment comes from helping these people, from listening to their problems, smiling at them, and knowing that through one conversation with me, a person decides not to end his life. You know what a kind of satisfaction that is? Something indescribable."

When asked if there are any special programs, the rabbi replies, "Absolutely. In addition to lectures from guest rabbis that we occasionally bring in, I must credit my predecessor who initiated and executed a very special project called 'Contribution.' It's a project encouraging prisoners to present us with programs whose main goal is giving and helping others. This can be in any field imaginable—organizing a team to recite 'Kaddish' at memorials, community service, and more."

"People who don’t know what true giving is must learn the basics"

According to the rabbi, the programs within the 'Contribution' project can only be submitted by a prisoner defined as positive (meaning one without serious disciplinary issues), and participation is particularly significant for the prisoners, helping each in an extraordinary manner.

How does such a project build the prisoner? And how soon can change in behavior be observed?

"You must remember these are people who not only didn’t know what true giving was but also never helped anyone, always remaining on the receiving end. People who don’t know what true giving is must learn the basics—what giving is, why it’s important to give, and the reward for genuine giving. Everyone who gives becomes more refined, with less coarse character traits, and if they conduct honest work, behavioral change is immediately noticeable."

Do you have a list of tasks, or can each prisoner choose a field they connect with?

"There is definitely freedom of choice, but we also guide each prisoner to give in a field he is good at. So the giving becomes more internalized, something the prisoner identifies with more. For example, a driving instructor might teach a lesson on road safety, including the halachic aspect of 'and you shall protect your lives,' a cook could volunteer to prepare meals for everyone and explain the related halachic ruling, and so forth. What's important to us is that the process is experiential and enjoyable, not done under duress."

What's the scene during the holiday season? There's a lot of excitement inside the bars. The place takes on a unique sacred atmosphere, and its highlight is hosting different rabbis who share their personal stories, uplift the prisoners' spirits, and boost morale. "Today, we hosted a certain rabbi who came with a terminally ill patient, who shared his story. The prisoners were very touched—some cried and others were inspired by his approach to facing his trial, as he began to speak about the good he derives from it. Throughout the year, the yeshiva operates from 8 AM to 12 PM, meaning my time with each prisoner for personal conversations is limited. However, during the holidays, I increase the number of conversations, strive to be attentive to every request and promptly handle it, and, of course, bring in speakers and singers from outside. Personal stories, words of Torah, or an artistic program greatly strengthen the prisoners."

Finally, how will your Rosh Hashanah Seder look?

"During the holidays, there’s greater attendance for prayers and the Seder, so we need to accommodate over 150 prisoners, not just the religious ward. In every ward, someone will conduct a Seder and say all the blessings, and in advance, we’ve already organized prayer books, volunteer cantors, prayer times, Seder plates with holiday symbols for each table, and festive decorations for the dining room.

"Simultaneously, we've arranged for individual shofar blowings in the isolation wing for prisoners who can’t leave. We understand that someone inside a 'cage' won’t easily feel elevated and joyful during the holiday, no matter how much we gild the cage. Nonetheless, we hope and pray to ease the pain of being away from family and normal social life as much as possible, and bring as much joy as we can—at least during this sacred and lofty time."