Kalman Packouz was an Orthodox rabbi who pioneered various Jewish educational initiatives geared towards baalei teshuva ("returnee to Judaism") outreach.
In 1979, after receiving rabbinical ordination in Jerusalem, Packouz started the first Aish HaTorah branch in St. Louis.
Packouz served for ten years as executive director of Aish HaTorah international operations, and was head of the Miami office of Aish HaTorah's worldwide programs.
[3] He was married and the father of nine children,[1] including former international arms dealer and inventor David Packouz.
[5] Packouz spoke out on Jewish continuity through marriage, and in 1976 authored the book, How to Stop an Intermarriage.