HFLA-SA Past, Present & Future

The Tale of the Books of Reminiscence Bar Mitzvah is a rite of passage deserving recognition and presents. But what do you get a Jewish organization celebrating its 13th birthday? A good book, of course! When Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio reached its Bar Mitzvah in 1937, it received a precious gift; a book that would grow, perpetually, for more than 80 years into the future. This remarkable tome – now expanded to two volumes – documents the growth of the San Antonio Jewish Community from 1924 to the modern era.

REMINISCENCES IN 50-POUND BOOK Hebrew Free Loan Association to Mark 13th Year In commemoration of its 13th anni versary, the Hebrew Free Loan. Associa tion of San Antonio will hold a banquet Sunday at the Hebrew Community Cen ter, at which time its “Book of Reminis cences" will be presented to the public. The book, which weighs nearly 50 pounds and contains 600 pages, will rec ord and commemorate the deeds and ac complishments of various members of San Antonio Jewry. It was designed by A. Seriff, a trustee of the association, At the 13th anniversary celebra tion, which has peculiar signifi cance in view of the Jewish custom of Bar Mitzvah whereby children are confirmed on reaching their 13th birthday. J. Walter Feigenbaum, attorney, will act as toastmaster. A. Vcxler is president of the associa tion and the banquet has been arranged by E. Erlish and Seriff. The Hebrew Free Loan Association was organized in 1924 at the suggestion of A. Kamarass, now honorary president. Its purpose is to lend small amounts of money without interest to those in need, particu larly to small business men. The book will be presented to the pub lic by Rabbi David Tamarkin of Agudas Achim at the banquet meeting. (January 24, 1938 – San Antonio Express)