Well over 2,000 members of the Lakewood kehillah packed Ateres Chana last night to show their support for Chai Lifeline and the many services it provides to local mishpachos. From Roshei Yeshiva to rabbonim, yeshivaleit and balabatim, all came to honor an organization that does so much for so many.
Numerous parlor meetings have been held in Lakewood over the past month to ensure the dinner’s success. Pre-dinner events throughout many neighborhoods also gave residents the opportunity to hear directly from families about the impact Chai Lifeline has had on their lives, providing crucial services with exemplary compassion and professionalism.
The night kicked off with opening remarks by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, who explained how indispensable Chai Lifeline is in Lakewood and shared numerous anecdotes about Chai Lifelines work. Rabbi Hisiger introduced the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita who offered divrei bracha, commending Chai Lifeline for attaining the highest possible level of chesed and stressing the organization’s importance to the Lakewood Kehilla.
Dr. Frank Balis, Director, Clinical Cancer Research Center for Childhood Cancer Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was honored with the Community Service Award for his selfless devotion and the unwavering dedication he lavishes on his young patients.
Rabbi Simcha Scholar, executive vice-president of Chai Lifeline introduced a powerful video presentation commemorating the short, yet tremendously full lives of Yosef Shalom Feldheim a’h and Malky Hirth a’h. The footage paid tribute to these young tzaddikim who lived each day with an ever-present simchas hachaim and steadfast emunah despite the trying and painful times they experienced over the course of their illnesses. Both Malky and Yosef Shalom, along with their families, impacted everyone they encountered, from doctors, nurses, volunteers and community members, creating an immense Kiddush Hashem in their wake. As Rabbi Sruli Fried, NJ regional director concluded at the end of the presentation, “The smiles and laughter emanating from the young children on screen bears witness to the goal of Chai Lifeline to allow children to be children against all odds”
After being inspired by the uplifting program, the attendees left infused with a greater appreciation for Chai Lifeline and its many volunteers who literally devote themselves heart and soul to bettering the lives of those facing illness.
“We are grateful to everyone who joined us,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, “The enthusiasm and the warmth shown to us by the Lakewood kehillah is an inspiration to everyone at Chai Lifeline and gives us all that extra burst of energy so that we can continue doing our best to help every single family who reaches out to us.”
Please join with Chai Lifeline and show your support for this essential community organization. For more information or to donate please click here or call 732-719-1771.
wow i am crying….
Thank you Kos, Yoel, Shloime, Nuta, Moshe H, Moshe K, Mutty, Avromi M
Pinny, Mindy and all those that helped out.
@Elazer
Hashem, please send yeshuous to all of klal Yisroel, in any which way they need!!!
I am also sitting here at the computer watching the video and crying. My husband ALAV HASHOLEM would most likely say to me. Zeldele leave it alone, But I feel i must mention it, It says at the beginning of the article that yesterday at the dinner there were Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbonim, Yeshiveleit, and Balabatim, I know there were many women too why isn’t mentioned that there were women at the dinner too, . I want to mention to everybody that lost child. What my father ALAV HASHOLEM told me, We should not say why did we lose our dear daughter at the young age of 13 , Instead we have to say WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE TO HAVE OUR DAUGHTER THE TZADEIKES FOR 13 YEARS, I know it easier said than done, But this is the way we gone on. My best and sincere wishes for everybody Good health nachas from children And MOSHIACH should come BIMHEIRA BEYAMENU AMEN.
Thank you Naomi and Chai Lifeline for all that you do.