Hundreds of women and girls filled Ateres Reva Hall on Tuesday evening to attend an Evening of Inspiration with Rabbi Paysach Krohn and Rabbi Fischel Schachter, marking the winding down of the Sefirah days and preparation for the upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuos.

The event was hosted by the Yeoded of Lakewood organization and dedicated in memory of Reb Pinchas Shalom ben Reb Yitzchok Atlas a”h by lbc”l his wife and children, Reb Shimon and Mrs. Matti Atlas, and Mrs. Rochel Rosenbaum.

Mrs. Matti Atlas, who has been organizing similar events in Brooklyn for nearly two decades, welcomed the audience and expressed her shevach v’hodaa to Hashem for the success of the first ever event in Lakewood. Mrs. Atlas spoke warmly about Yeoded of Lakewood and all the important work it does for Lakewood children from single parent homes, including professional case management, mentoring, tutoring, exciting gifts and trips, and mentor professional development.

With his classic wit, and peppering of stories, Rabbi Schachter expounded upon the concepts of hasgacha pratis, and how we can achieve our mission in this world even though we do not have any control. He always elaborated upon the importance of the work of Yeoded of Lakewood’s leaders and mentors, who fulfill an invaluable mission on behalf of Hashem to benefit these children.

Rabbi Krohn opened his remarks by reminiscing about his childhood in Kew Gardens, where his family enjoyed a close friendship with the Atlases. He shared warm memories of Reb Pinchas Shalom, as well as lbc”l his wife, who was in the audience. Rabbi Krohn delivered a riveting discourse on the importance of chessed, and how to do chessed right, as well as a lots of practical tips on how to motivate oneself to do as much chessed as possible.

Rabbi Krohn’s message was particularly poignant when he referred to the importance of Yeoded of Lakewood’s monumental chessed. He lamented the tragic “at risk” phenomenon, which unfortunately affects Lakewood as well. “If a child is made to feel good about himself, he will not feel the need to be validated by people ‘on the street’ when he is a teenager,” he exclaimed.

To order an audio CD of Rabbi Krohn’s and Rabbi Schachter’s speeches at the event, please call 732-272-0722 or email [email protected].