CONTENTS Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio Past Founding: How and Why? Development: Stories of our Earliest Loans The Peddler Who Couldn’t Bar Mitzvah! Community Grows: Stories from the Books The Clothes Klopper Who Designed the Future The World at War—A Tale of Valor The Peddler Who Did Very Well Excerpts from a Working Man’s Memoirs The Magic Man of San Antonio, Mr. Wooden Nickels Reacting to the Needs of the Times: Adaptation Present Board & Staff Current Loan Programs: How we help. Donor Stories & Testimony 5784 (2023-24) The Centennial Celebration: 100 Years of Changing Lives and Building Community Future Expansion of Programs Fulfilling Promises Made
Zero-Percent Loans? Free Loans? It’s not just good sense … It’s the law! https://youtu.be/sd8kFLuGn34 <iframe width="492" height="277" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ sd8kFLuGn34" title="Parshat Mishpatim: What The Bible Says About Money Lending" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></ iframe> Interest-Free Loans: The greatest form of charity Granting an interest-free loan is not just nice, it’s a mitzvah (Exodus 22:24). For how much? As much as the borrower needs, as much as you can afford. If he needs and asks, and you turn him down, his cries are heard on high—and that’s dangerous stuff. On the other hand, give him that loan and “you shall call and G‑d will answer; you shall cry and He will say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:9). Lending money interest-free is the highest form of tzedakah (charity), far greater than giving free handouts. A handout may preserve a life for a day, but a loan preserves that sense of self-sufficiency necessary to get back on your feet. That’s why every Jewish community is expected to support at least one interest-free loan society. What if someone is not needy, but would like a loan to make more money? Perhaps not as great, but still a mitzvah. Unlike tzedakah, free loans are for both the poor and the rich. This explanation is produced by Chabad.org, and is copyrighted by the author and/or Chabad.org
The Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio was founded in 1924 to provide members of a community being marginalized out of the mainstream with a financial resource unavailable to them. For nearly 100 years, HFLA-SA has been changing lives and building the San Antonio community, one free-loan at a time. Join us throughout the next year as we celebrate our heritage, history, and contributions to South Texas. Our Past 1924: A global epidemic had killed millions, cut through society, and left a rocky economy. A lengthy, distant war had ended ambiguously. Mass immigration was breeding resentment, and intolerance was codified in law. Antisemitism grew in a tide of bigotry. Our Rabbi had seen it all before … and understood! The Tale of the Rabbi and the Businessman, pt. I Born in Grodne in 1855, Rabbi Shlomo Solomon emigrated after suffering in the pogroms of the 1880s. Violent attacks on Jews swept the western provinces of the Russian Empire (including Grodne) in 1881–1884, after the assassination of Alexander II. Moving to San Antonio in 1900, Rabbi Solomon led the Agudas Achim Congregation for 18 years and Rodfei Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation for eight more. Now, as America slammed the doors on immigration, the need for action was imminent. The Rabbi joined forces with Abraham Kamrass, a turn -of-the-century émigré, now a pillar of the business community, to aid fellow San Antonio Jews being marginalized out of the mainstream.
riDKi non 4* Slfta 3b Brdiratrii Un Honor (0f Abraham attb Shaine 2 Ca m r a 0 0 ®betr ^Ericnb M e rm a n Z em an sk t MR. ABRAHAM KAMRASS ><=> oczz> ocd ocz)o<=>o<zzz>ocz>oei *Ji~TXTT-------- T T -------T T ------ - T - g ------ - I T”------—? TT------na tc ia t± TTTP’ -a~ET------ ! dtojw onD"n.ornaa nona PJ'l riDs; inn -a ■s-g:•-------a g--------^ ^ -----------------------------------------------------a fc- — £ lynrKs lytsKtr pc .ytpnBnx ipm x pm ?*yr*e» "t “jyrtsayD ^ b jjtsia ’ll earns ya^r e-p-ia px pytr asy pk axil bps lyn evnsyp a^n ama« in asjXTsnya axn i‘ On this page of the Book of Reminiscences is briefly inscribed the history of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham II. Kamra. s, and of their good deeds and contributions towards the welfare of our Jewish Community. Mr. AERAIIAM KAMRASS came to San Antonio almost two decades ago, and established himself here. Though he worked hard to support his family and build up his business, he found enough time to take a hand in community life. In 1924, realizing the necessity of a Hebrew Free Loan in our Jewish Community, Mr. Kam- rass immediately called upon a few of his friends, convincing them of the need of such an organization. Difficult was that task, and he encountered many obstacles on his way. Some charitable institutions were against his idea and tried to discourage him, but his heart felt the great need of such an organization as the Gmilus Chasodjm; and through his efforts and ceaseless work, Mr. KAMRASS succeeded in organizing the Hebrew Free Loan. Only a handful of men joined him in his undertaking and within a short time 70 members joined. Mr. KAMRASS devoted a great deal of his time toward that good ■cause and under his leadership as President for 12 years the H. F. L. increased in membership and became known as the most outstanding organization in our Jewish Community. As honorary president now, he still attends meetings and keeps up the spirit to do and help. Mr. KAMRASS was also president of the Rodfe Sholom Congregation for 5 years and carried out his plans and fulfilled his duties successfully. He organized a Hebrew School and worked for the good cause earnestly. He also saw the necessity of beautifying the Cemetery and fixing in all things needed there. Mrs KAMRASS has helped him in every way and patiently carried the burden of bringing up their children in a Jewish spirit. Mr. and Mrs. KAMRASS truly deserve that their names and good deeds should be inscribed in the Safer Hazicoron to which they contributed morally and materially. ?a/ni? lyaany ayn aaxay:i axn lyri esjK?2*iK Bbps fyjpaaxiB ayn exp nyn ari^a px ly aapan inx^ is nnx' ps axil .BSJH75 ay ytx ar'r ay asms yam yrv -R3 onyn ,DHDn ntf'oj man pc "pnatn nBD„p« tyti'Djyo tyonyyn Din pa iraa’trw n tyxnip pt< jyantr pa ptt D'nayp f>"i an spy n"a c^n cmas 'no ^ri Dy pnaP ,yrTKD 'nna mo ’re yo^yyis pn jyou ny”? d’d D’tyyo you yny”? jynyp iPBWnxa ou .n?n^ produr RURDJR JRD PR DXy?R3 1’?DRH D'ncyp n"S .10 o>jtn ny .pmv iynnR’?ys d’d y^’DRD pR una pn d’d ,153 y u ’o tyayf* lya’f-ojynR jr oaRoyj pr oyanRyj nyiu? dri ny .max ’anxa etf’n ix pn inyryj d” x nya^y? nyn pR •yj drh Ds#n ,DHDn nunon r jynjnj ?x pdoj irs lyjisyj yrn y?R D’o jyantjniyjj’nR in drh ny .dirdi? pR o^ya •r: yanoy pa rpn jyjnpyj drh ny ra o^anRyj .jyoaynp ~Vi ya’toy pa non ni^on r oynanjya pr lyo’ojyo y^ya Dyn ps .nyr^Rn yo^’xya ya^oy d’d .Dnyaoyo yo5”x nyn tR tnyrya pr ,yunyjy Dunj o'o oyansyj ,1924 nnip ornyj pr oiynnyns jynRiiyj .jyn’f’a pR iyopRii ^r ?n"oo iyopRiiya drh n"DJ nyn .ojynnyns d?r nnR’ 12 n"oj nyn *Rn njyrio 12 ”3 dx’ r diroirb ny ra nnR’ ix nnR’ pa ■Jin 5y’a [yrn D”x nyn pr .Dnyaoyo 300 nyayn pr ,ny5 ny tr dx’r n’DR pynRiiyj jya^nyj Dy’f”DRa nyonyn D’o i’iR ny oyanR ,ynoDDjynnyns n iyayjy:a’iR drh a?>a iRtriD’DDPR jy^yaRj Dyn on pr nnyjy nya^yr nyn 5”’d:r jyDuna r 1’ir jyouya D”x nya^yr nyn pR .traji ojynuyns |ynyj "Diets’’ann„ 'jjrp pr pt lyanoD’u pR ,dd” j jytyn’R pr uijynn# ouna pr onn’ayj ,d” x nnij’ 5 r lyo^Rnyj .nianoxn ynn’R tya^n ^rt n inyryj ny .Dnyaoyo n pa nynj’p n ird n"n r oynanaya paRn 7na ^ nm r oaRoyj .D’noni D”nn nya oyanRyj drh nyDRii ,D’iRann jyjyn onyoDR^ByaD’ i r ,D?iy no diir Dnan y^R pr ?” d: r tyoiaya .nnD r d’o ppr onn’ayjj’nR t’R one yonyyn pn pr .drhd d’d pr o?yj d’o npnxaty ytnn’R yf”Dty r .y^yaRj r pr n .lynva tynnaix i^ r pa tyn’xny jyoana’n y?R pR b»h’r drp^rb in onn’D pna niofri pR ” t D:ynyf>y3 ,dd’u jytrn’R pR nynan yny”t ly^RT D’tyyo you yny”t tr oannRB ntw tyaijin ”t ,nmn .D^iy pnar? pnarn neD pr jynyu jyantnRB SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
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 protection wasn’t unique to the 1920’s, but ever since, the community’s growth is backstopped by the Association. In every generation, borrowers’ needs reflected their distinct times and unique circumstances, but something became apparent from the very beginning: Such kindness inspired a moral imperative in the successful to become the next link in the chain of support. Borrowers become lenders; lenders become leaders. w! June 27, 1924
Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio was created to serve the dire needs of refugees seeking a new life in a new country - increasingly hostile to exotic peoples’ from foreign lands. “Nativism in the Twenties” -History Video EMBED CODE BELOW: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_IKKrhSxJ1g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_IKKrhSxJ1g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
r < nDNi ‘ion Mr. and Mrs. A. Seriff THIS IS A PORTION OF ALL HIS LABOUR The **Seffer Hazicoron” he has created, To it a part of his life he consecrated. The spirit of Gmilus Chesed he herein instilled, With the symbol of its virtues the pages are filled. May his noble work and worthy contribution, Be to all of us a great inspiration. May this good spirit with us forever remain, That his labour shall not be given in vain. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS A L
REMINISCENCES IN 50-POUND BOOK Hebrew Free Loan Association to Mark 13th Year (January 24, 1938 – San Antonio Express) In commemoration of its 13th anniversary, the Hebrew Free Loan. Association of San Antonio will hold a banquet Sunday at the Hebrew Community Center, at which time its “Book of Reminiscences" will be presented to the public. The book, which weighs nearly 50 pounds and contains 600 pages, will record and commemorate the deeds and accomplishments of various members of San Antonio Jewry. It was designed by A. Seriff, a trustee of the association, At the 13th anniversary celebration, which has peculiar significance 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 association 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, particularly to small business men. The book will be presented to the public by Rabbi David Tamarkin of Agudas Achim at the banquet meeting. 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.
Steel-clad, the unique bindings were designed to open for new pages — but opening remained a mystery, lost in time, until our historian found a small hole in the steel plate, concealing a stud. A Clockmaker's tool proved to be key to history: only a clockwinding key fit the stud, turning, allowing the Books to open for the first time since 2006. This permitted the high resolution scans used on this website. To see “the key to history” in action, click the video on left)
HFLA-SA LOAN PROGRAMS Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio provides interest-free loans for several types of temporary financial need. Whether you are experiencing financial crisis, or need assistance with unexpected expenses, a personal or family economic challenge, HFLA-SA can help you weather the storm. All loans require the following unless otherwise specifically stated: • Must be Jewish or employed at a Jewish agency/synagogue • Permanent resident of our service area • Two well-qualified cosigners if over $2,000, one cosigner if $2,000 or less • Cosigners: at least one Jewish & resident of Texas (one out-of-state) • 30-month repayment period • Maximum loan amount $6,000 Personal Loan - For any emergency or unanticipated expenses Education Loan – Partially funded by the HFLA-SA B’nai Brith Irwin Barath Memorial Jewish College Students Fund. Maximum amount $5000/year up to 4 years. • Post-high school student • Reduced payments for eligible students • A 50-month repayment term • Proof of higher education enrollment Special Situation Loan - Maximum amount and repayment schedule to be negotiated. For situations which warrant flexibility with respect to cosigners, payment terms, etc. • Requires enhanced due diligence, including personal interview Veteran, Active Military, and or Dependent Loan – Partially funded by HFLA-SA Irwin Barath Memorial Jewish War Veterans Loan Fund. • Reduced monthly payments • A 50-month repayment term 60 Plus Loan - Partially funded by HFLA-SA San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS) Loan Fund. • Age 60+ • Reduced payments for eligible borrowers • A 50-month repayment term Youth Programs & Emergent Needs Loan – Partially funded by HFLA-SA Mitch Michelson Memorial Youth & Emergent Needs Loan Fund. COVID-19 and Other Emergent Needs Loan – Partially funded by the HFLA-SA Jewish Federation of San Antonio Emergency Need Loan Funds. For situations which warrant flexibility with respect to cosigners, payment terms, etc. • Requires enhanced due diligence, including personal interview • No cosigner needed if apply for $1,000 or less • Requires 2 well-qualified cosigners if over $2,500; one cosigner if $1,000-2,5000
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