Female Hebrew Benevolent Society
Rebecca Gratz, 1781 - 1869
"Piety, self respect and charity will...make our wilderness bloom."
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Report
Ladies,
The season has again arrived when we are amenable to renew our efforts for the relief of those who need aid from their fellow sojourners in this world of many wants and many sufferings - and while we feebly put forth a diminished strength to relieve the cravings of nature we would suggest the wish that our abilities might be directed to a more pressing need - the mental impoverishment of those who are rising to take their place among the thousands of Israel scattered throughout the facilities of the earth. In a little while the remnant of those who first plead for the female poor of this congregation will have passed away and perhaps the sweetened memorial raised to their names will be recorded that they laid the course stone to this just tuition. Is it not too much to hope - too much to expect from the daughters of a noble race that they will be foremost in the work of charity - provided their young hearts are impressed with its sacred duties. Let us then plead ---- for the means to of "training them in the way they should go" - we have ---- a teacher desirous of opening his store of useful knowledge for the improvement of the rising generation - his opp---- of study in the original language of the scriptures gives him advantages few here ------- and then unto many of the difficulties complained of among us may be attributed.
The want of education shuts the door of advancement into private or public nations - which an Israelite might obtain in this country - and the consummation of our highest ambition may even be the wiping off of that stigma which rebellion and disobedience have ---- upon the nation - may be accomplished, when enlightened Jews mingle with the inhabitants of the land respecting their own laws and practicing the virtues required of the chosen people of God. Such as must prepare the way for that unto the gathering of the people be - we need look for no greater miracle than the changed heart that an enlightened faith - piety, self-respect and charity will engender to make our wilderness bloom - and a light shine on the on the mountains of Zion - but this is in advance of our present purpose - the grain must be sown before the harvest can be reaped and if we are only employed in the humblest occupation of preparing the soil for future seasons of prosperity - our labor will not be lost to that all seeing eye that searcheth out the smallest seed of good and ------. Let us then still thrive to --- and reform - give freely of our own means and ask a ----. The treasurers account will inform you of the amount of funds and expenditures - we invite - we---- every female of the congregation to take an interest in this society - the ---- aid will be gratefully received money or moneys worth that can be converted into use for the poor and those who have nothing else to give - we ask good will. Good wishes and good words to cheer and cherish the spirit of clarity in which the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society greets and claims kindred with any daughter of Israel.
Report
Ladies,
The season has again arrived when we are amenable to renew our efforts for the relief of those who need aid from their fellow sojourners in this world of many wants and many sufferings - and while we feebly put forth a diminished strength to relieve the cravings of nature we would suggest the wish that our abilities might be directed to a more pressing need - the mental impoverishment of those who are rising to take their place among the thousands of Israel scattered throughout the facilities of the earth. In a little while the remnant of those who first plead for the female poor of this congregation will have passed away and perhaps the sweetened memorial raised to their names will be recorded that they laid the course stone to this just tuition. Is it not too much to hope - too much to expect from the daughters of a noble race that they will be foremost in the work of charity - provided their young hearts are impressed with its sacred duties. Let us then plead ---- for the means to of "training them in the way they should go" - we have ---- a teacher desirous of opening his store of useful knowledge for the improvement of the rising generation - his opp---- of study in the original language of the scriptures gives him advantages few here ------- and then unto many of the difficulties complained of among us may be attributed.
The want of education shuts the door of advancement into private or public nations - which an Israelite might obtain in this country - and the consummation of our highest ambition may even be the wiping off of that stigma which rebellion and disobedience have ---- upon the nation - may be accomplished, when enlightened Jews mingle with the inhabitants of the land respecting their own laws and practicing the virtues required of the chosen people of God. Such as must prepare the way for that unto the gathering of the people be - we need look for no greater miracle than the changed heart that an enlightened faith - piety, self-respect and charity will engender to make our wilderness bloom - and a light shine on the on the mountains of Zion - but this is in advance of our present purpose - the grain must be sown before the harvest can be reaped and if we are only employed in the humblest occupation of preparing the soil for future seasons of prosperity - our labor will not be lost to that all seeing eye that searcheth out the smallest seed of good and ------. Let us then still thrive to --- and reform - give freely of our own means and ask a ----. The treasurers account will inform you of the amount of funds and expenditures - we invite - we---- every female of the congregation to take an interest in this society - the ---- aid will be gratefully received money or moneys worth that can be converted into use for the poor and those who have nothing else to give - we ask good will. Good wishes and good words to cheer and cherish the spirit of clarity in which the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society greets and claims kindred with any daughter of Israel.
Gratz's experience with the Female Association and the Philadelphia Orphan Asylum had led her to believe that women, because of their aptitude for domestic duties, were particularly equipped to take care of the greater "house of Israel." Because her work with nonsectarian charitable organizations had convinced Gratz that even the most well meaning Christians were often eager to convert others, she became concerned about the growing number of needy Philadelphian Jews.
In 1819, she helped establish the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society to create a Jewish presence in the benevolent community. Gratz believed "it is not too much to hope—too much to expect from the daughters of a noble race that they will be foremost in the work of Charity— provided their young hearts are impressed with its sacred duties." The society provided Philadelphia's impoverished Jews with food, clothing, fuel, and other necessities. Like the Female Association, the Society sought to protect the poor without encouraging pauperism. The Society was the first non-synagogue Jewish women's organization in North America and did not require its clients to attend religious services or belong to a congregation. Again, Gratz chose to be the organization's secretary and served in that capacity for nearly forty years. She hoped to build women's stature in the Jewish community and show that Jews could take care of themselves.
The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia remains the oldest Jewish charitable organization in continuous existence in the United States.
Notes:
- "Piety, self respect..." From a "Report," published by The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, 1835. Gratz Family Papers, Collection no.72, box 17, p.145. Courtesy of The American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.
- "it is not too much..." From a "Report," published by The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, 1835. Gratz Family Papers, Collection no.72, box 17, p.143. Courtesy of The American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.
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