HFLA-SA Past, Present & Future

The Tale of the Rabbi and the Businessman, pt II Founding the Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio in July 1924, offering loans without interest, the Rabbi and the Businessman created a lifeline for those in dire circumstance or needing to earn a living in a new country. “Unless the poor of our community are looked after, it will fall to pieces ,” declared Rabbi Gershon Feigenbaum at the first public meeting. “ But ‘G’milus Chasodim’ is not a charitable affair, ” continued the Rabbi, “it is simply for mutual protection.” The need for such pro tection wasn’t unique to the

1920’s, but ever since, the community’s growth is back stopped by the Association. In every generation , borrowers’ needs reflected their distinct times and unique circumstances, but something became apparent

w!

from the very beginning: Such kindness inspired a moral imperative in the suc cessful to become the next link in the chain of support. Borrowers become lenders; lenders become leaders. June 27, 1924