Report from the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society (Part 2 of 3)
Handwritten report from the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, established in 1819 by Rebecca Gratz. The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia remains the oldest Jewish charitable organization in continuous existence in the United States. Part 2 of 3.
The report reads as follows:
...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.
The report reads as follows:
...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.
