Ever feel like the world’s a bit of a mess? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and think, “What can I possibly do?” But here’s the thing: History is packed with stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things, simply by deciding to make a difference. Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman is one of those people, a real-life example of how one act of kindness can create a ripple effect that changes the world.

Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, Israel Prize laureate and founder of Migdal Ohr, is renowned for his unwavering care for every Jewish soul, deep empathy and dedication to unifying the Jewish people.

In 1967, Israel celebrated its victory in the Six-Day War. But amidst the jubilation, a young Rabbi Grossman saw a different battle being waged – a silent war on the streets, where a generation of Israeli youth was succumbing to crime, drugs and despair. He saw children losing their fight for survival, and he knew he couldn’t stand idly by.

He heard whispers of Migdal HaEmek, a town riddled with poverty, crime and abandoned youth. It was a place where hope had seemingly vanished, a place no rabbi dared to go. But at just 23 years old, Rabbi Grossman made a promise: He would dedicate one year to these forgotten children.

That single year became a lifetime. The pain, the struggles, the desperate longing for love and acceptance he witnessed in these children resonated deep within him. He couldn’t walk away. He ventured into the darkness, into the nightclubs and the haunts of gang members, not to judge, but to understand. He listened. He embraced. He brought light where only shadows existed.

Through unwavering warmth, boundless love and an unwavering belief in their potential, Rabbi Grossman achieved the impossible. He transformed criminals into scholars, orphans into leaders, and broken children into builders of the future. He defied the naysayers and proved that even in the most desolate corners, hope can flourish.

Rabbi Grossman’s work embodies the very essence of the Torah’s command to care for the vulnerable. It’s not merely a suggestion, but a divine imperative:

* “You shall not pervert the justice due to the stranger or the orphan.” (Deuteronomy 24:17) לֹא תַטֶּהמִשְׁפַּט גֵּר-יָתוֹם

* “He upholds the cause of the orphan and the widow, and He loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18) עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפַּט יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה, וְאֹהֵב גֵּר לָתֵת לוֹ לֶחֶם וְשִׂמְלָה

These verses weren’t just words on a page for Rabbi Grossman; they were a call to action. He saw them as a mission, a responsibility he embraced with his entire being.

The impact of his dedication is immeasurable. Yossi, a hardened gang leader, found redemption and is now a Torah scholar guiding others. David, once homeless and hopeless, now serves as an IDF officer, protecting the very country he felt had abandoned him. Tamar, an orphan left to navigate the world alone, now empowers other orphans as a social worker. These are just a few examples of the thousands of lives touched by one man’s unwavering commitment.

Rabbi Grossman’s story challenges us: If one person can achieve such profound change, what’s stopping us from changing even one life?

We often wait for grand gestures, for sweeping reforms initiated from the top down. But true change begins at the grassroots level, with individuals who choose to care. We don’t need to be Rabbi Grossman to make a difference. We don’t need to build institutions or rescue thousands. We simply need to take responsibility.

This means finding that struggling student and offering a word of encouragement. It means checking in on a lonely neighbor. It means volunteering our time, donating to causes we believe in, and uplifting those around us. It means choosing to believe in someone who has lost faith in themselves.

Because the truth is, there’s a Yossi, a David or a Tamar in every community, waiting for someone to see them, to believe in them, to remind them that they matter. They’re waiting for us.

Rabbi Grossman didn’t wait for the world to change; he changed the world. And the question we must ask ourselves is: Will we?

We don’t need to perform extraordinary feats. We just need to start with one. One act of kindness. One child in need of guidance. One family requiring support. One neighbor longing for connection.

When we step up, when we rise above our own concerns, we ignite a chain reaction of goodness that reverberates far beyond our own lives.

As Maimonides, the Rambam, so eloquently stated: “There is no greater or more glorious joy than bringing happiness to the poor, to orphans, widows and strangers. One who brings them joy is likened to the Divine Presence itself.” (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Megillah 2:17) אֵין שִׂמְחָה גְּדוֹלָה וּמְפוֹאָרָהיוֹתֵר מֵלְשַׂמֵּחַ לֵב עֲנִיִּים וִיתוֹמִיםוְאַלְמָנוֹת וְגֵרִים, שֶׁהַמְּשַׂמֵּחַם דּוֹמֶהלַשְּׁכִינָה.

Rabbi Grossman’s legacy is not just about the thousands of lives he touched, but about the ripple effect he created, inspiring countless others to follow his example. Let us be part of that ripple. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. The power is within each and every one of us. Go out and ignite your spark. Find your “one.” And together, let us illuminate the world, one life at a time.

Migdal Ohr is one of Israel’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations, with a vast network of social welfare and educational institutions caring for over 10,000 orphaned and underprivileged children each year. Through essential support, education and empowerment, Migdal Ohr helps shape the next generation of engaged citizens and Jewish leaders. Learn more about Migdal Ohr’s impactful work at www.migdalohrusa.org

Eliav Ronan is a writer, speaker and NYU-certified life and business coach specializing in personal growth, resilience and purpose through the lens of Jewish wisdom and psychology. His forthcoming book, “An Elevated Mindset: A Journey Through Life,” explores faith, self-awareness and resilience. He is also launching a website to foster community, share inspiring stories and offer interactive resources for personal growth. He lives with his wife and two children, splitting his time between Israel, South Jersey, and Florida.