The Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia (HFLGP) provides interest-free loans to members of the Philadelphia Jewish community in need. Founded in 1984 as the Hebrew Free Loan Society at Beth Sholom and housed at Beth Sholom Congregation (Elkins Park, Pennsylvania), by 2006, over $2 million in loans had been granted from its revolving fund. HFLGP is a member of the International Association of Hebrew Free Loans.
HFLGP is a 501(c)(3) organization funded entirely by private donations.
General information
HFLGP offers loans of up to $7,500. Borrowers must live in the Philadelphia area, specifically Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, or Burlington, Camden, Gloucester or Mercer counties in New Jersey. Borrowers must be Jewish or serve the Jewish community.
Credit-worthy co-signers who live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey are required to guarantee repayment for all loans.
HFPGP lends money for many purposes, including but not limited to:
- Medical and dental bills
- Home repairs
- Apartment rental and deposits
- First home purchase closing costs
- Family member immigration
- Adoption
- Fertility treatments
- Jewish camp
- Unemployment
- Vocational and job training
- Education
Business loans
HFLGP offers interest-free loans up to $15,000 for new businesses or businesses changing their direction, though the R & B Business Loan Fund at Congregation Beth Or. Borrowers must live in the Philadelphia area, specifically Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, or Burlington, Camden, Gloucester or Mercer counties in New Jersey. Unlike HFLGP's personal loans, this loan program is non-sectarian.
Two credit-worthy co-signers who live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey are required to guarantee repayment for all loans.
History
Hebrew Free Loan Societies are based on the Biblical injunction "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act towards them as a creditor; exact no interest from them." (Exodus 22:24) Jewish communities throughout history have included these organizations as one of the pillars of communal life.
The Hebrew Free Society of Greater Philadelphia was founded in 1984 through the efforts of Rabbi Aaron Landes z"l. Bernard and Marie Granor agreed to spearhead the original effort and Bernard served as President of the Society for more than 20 years.