Almost 1,000 people came to be inspired by the international speaker, renowned author and storyteller, Rabbi Paysach Krohn when he spoke at the Hasmonean High School for Boys in Hendon, London two nights before Rosh Hashono.

Rabbi Krohn had flown into London especially for the event that was arranged by Phone and Learn (PaL), the telephone-based outreach organisation which Rabbi Krohn had launched in the UK two years ago in memory of his friend, the much-loved askan Sammy Homburger z"?l.

As the record crowd filled the hall, there was standing room only for many who had come to hear Rabbi Krohn at this unique event.

In making his introductory remarks, PaL Chairman Dov Harris described how PaL is a division of Partners in Torah in America, a unique Jewish identity-building initiative committed to fostering unity among Jews of all backgrounds and that PaL matches Jews who want to know more about their heritage with a friendly, knowledgeable tutor for an hour a week of Jewish study and discussion, over the phone. "The growth of PaL is testament to the desire of many to discover more about their Yiddishkeit being able to learn whatever they want to learn, wherever they want to learn, whenever they want to learn"?, explained Mr Harris.

Mr Harris thanked Rabbi Krohn for having made the effort to come to the UK just two nights before Rosh Hashono and for his constant input and wise advice that he has continued to give PaL since its inception two years ago.

Rabbi Krohn opened his address by referring to his long time connection with the family of Sammy Homburger z"l in whose memory PaL was founded. "I am sure his soul is looking from Heaven in pride and joy at what has been accomplished in his name,-" Rabbi Krohn commented. Rabbi Krohn enthralled the captive audience with lessons and ideas as they listened with both tears of laughter and sadness as he gave divrei Torah and recounted powerful stories with thought-provoking ideas.

As we approach the High Holidays, explained Rabbi Krohn, we should look at the characteristics of Hashem and adapt them for ourselves. What is the truth? We have to be honest and truthful in business, in finance and in our relationships. Hashem will answer the prayers of all those who maintain honesty and integrity. Don't make promises you can't keep, be careful not to lie, exaggerate or speak loshon hora (improper speech). We can't begin to imagine the long term effects of dishonesty or falsehood on our families.

Rav Mendel MiRimanov, a student of Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk recounted the story of a child who went off the Jewish way, ascribing it to the effect of food he ate as a child. This food was treif (not kosher), but not in the formal sense. It was treif (not kosher) because it had been acquired with money that was improperly earned. This food affected the soul of the child. "Taking money that does not rightfully belong to us has a devastating effect on our souls."?

Rabbi Krohn held up as an example the honesty and integrity of Rabbi Shimshon Refoel Hirsch, who was concerned that if he happened to die in the middle of a month, his salary would continue to be paid until the end. "In the event he passed away on 31st December!"?

Rabbi Krohn went on to suggest ways in which we can enhance our mitzvos (good deeds). One of his focuses was nichum aveilim (visiting mourners), and he expressed some original ideas about helping to make shidduchim (introduction of singles), with innovations that had been seen to work. Throughout, his message was that God wants us to be involved so that other Jews will be inspired by us - in essence, the message of PaL. "There are 13.3 million Jews in the world. 1.8 million are religious. This means that 86% of Jews are lost, many to assimilation. It's our responsibility to try and bring these Jews back"?.

"Everyone can have arichas yomim (fulfilment of life),?" Rabbi Krohn concluded, "by making every day count." Visitors from all over the world who were in London on the evening came to experience this unique event and said that they had never seen anything as inspirational before! Many members of the audience signed up on the night to help others connect to their heritage by volunteering to learn with another Jew through PaL.