We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michal Rozenberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michal below.

Michal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

for many years I’ve worked in the field of rehabilitation through work. I helped people with mental illness find work and by doing that, that help them regain life skills and find their place in society. I loved my job very much and really believed in what I was doing. I’ve always worked in a team with co-workers and loved that aspect of the work. I never dreamed of managing or leading a team. In my last job, I was asked to be the manager, and I was very hesitant about this. I didn’t think it was something I’d be good at, or something I’d one day learn to enjoy.

After a lot of thinking I decided to give it a try. And as the years go by I gained my confidence and learnt to love being a manager, creating a team and leading team work in a good and happy environment. I find that when workers are happy and feel seen and cared for, they will want to come to work and believe in the work they do.

Michal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a mother of 4 beautiful children and together with my husband Dov we live in a beautiful town called Tzur Hadassah, right out side of Jerusalem. I’ve always loved working with people, and from a young age I knew I want to work in a place where I feel is making a impact on people and the world. After 12 years of working in the field of rehabilitation through work for people coping with mental illness, in June 22 I started working as the executive director at “Susan’s house” in Jerusalem.

Susan’s house is a work place for youth at risk ages 15-18. They work by creating beautiful art work, which is sold by them in our shop and online. We have four departments- ceramics, glass, jewelry and burners. The youth come without Previous knowledge in the field. The staff teach the kids the art work. and we see how through work , the youth gain and learn life skills that eventually help them grow to become productive and healthy young adults.

a lot of the kids who come, are living in tough homes and hang out in tough environments. they are sent to us by their social workers, but they chose to come to us out of their own will. They make a salary and while they create, they learn how to deal with frustration, how to create healthy relationships and communicate their feelings through words and not through actions. they feel seen and loved by the staff.

Susan and Eyal Kaplansky dreamed of opening an art center for youth at-risk.
After Susan passed away at a young age, 22 years ago, Eyal was devoted to the realization of this dream and Susan’s House was born.

Susan’s House has become one of the most successful youth rehabilitation centers in Israel. its devoted staff and the strength and will of the young people who make the most of this opportunity to improve their lives. 22 years later, many kids have gone through our place. we see the process kids go through and it’s very inspiring. a lot of them keep in touch, come visit and share how Susan’s house was a important part of their life journey.

I’m very proud of the work we do and really see how we make a difference. I love we what I do and really believe in it,
In our factory we have a visitors Center where we host different groups from around the world who come to meet the youth, hear the story of Susan’s house and purchase the beautiful art work. so next time your in Jerusalem come visit!!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to help the youth who come to us grow and thrive through the work of art. It’s very important to me that the products that are made here by the youth will be beautiful and Aesthetic. That people will chose to buy the products that were made by the youth will be bought because they are really nice and special. and not because someone wants to buy because they feel bad for the youth or only want to support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://susanshouse.org.il/en/main/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanshouse_official/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanshousejerusalem