Hebrew Free Loan Society of Boston records, undated, 1912-1974.

The Hebrew Free Loan Society was organized in 1912 to provide temporary financial assistance to those in need, regardless of religion, race, or nationality, as stated in their Constitution. Establishment of the Society was primarily motivated “for the purpose of preventing pauperism by promoting and encouraging thrift and self-support among those who are in impoverished circumstances and by assisting them to establish themselves in life.” Formed in the wake of increasing immigration from Eastern Europe and the proliferation of urban poverty, the Society received personal contributions in its first year of $25,000 from Nathan Pinanski (the organization’s first president), Albert Ginzberg, Oscar Grosberg, and Lassor Agos. As a result, that year they underwrote 192 interest free loans. Forty years later, in 1952, the Society had given a total of 47,262 loans, amounting to $6,011,850. The Society became a constituent of the Federation of Jewish Charities (later, Combined Jewish Philanthropies). This collection contains the records of the Hebrew Free Loan Society’s major operations. Documents primarily describe the governing principles of the Society in logistical and administrative articles, the activities of directors in meeting minutes, and the distribution of the budgets in financial reports and statements. Also included, in a shared oversized box, is a folder with incorporation certificates dated 1913 and 1937.Includes constitution, minutes of organizational meetings and charters, minute books (1936-1972), and financial statements (1936-1950, 1967-1974). For the period 1936-1950, financial reports are included with the minutes.Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); Hebrew Free Loan Society of Boston Records; I-115; box number; folder number; American Jewish Historical Society, New York, NY, and Boston, MA.Donated by the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Boston in October 1975 with additional materials donated by Rosalind Gerter in May 2001.Finding Aid available in Reading Room and on Internet