The Society concentrates on four areas of assistance: emergency aid, monthly stipends, camp scholarships and Senior Supports, a program that provides emergency response systems (ERS) and stair glides for frail, elderly or disabled women, allowing them to remain safe and feel secure in the comfort of their own homes.
In 1819, a group of women desirous of rendering themselves useful to their indigent Sisters of the House of Israel, associated themselves together for the purposes of charity… (Preamble to the FHBS Constitution, 1837). Thus was born the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, distinguished as the first, communal organization founded by Jews to assist Jews in the City of Philadelphia, and as the oldest Jewish charity in continuous existence in the United States. Throughout our 190-year history, our mission has remained constant: to help needy Jewish women in financial crisis for whom there are no other accessible resources. FHBS is volunteer operated, with almost all overhead absorbed by the members of the board of managers. For this reason, we are able to use approximately 98% of our annual donations for the direct benefit of impoverished, Jewish women.
To help needy Jewish women in financial crisis for whom there are no other accessible resources.
For almost two centuries FHBS has been at the forefront of Philadelphia’s social service community, providing for the needs of local Jewish women in financial crisis, quietly, quickly and with dignity. We remain dedicated to the tradition of giving of our time, energy and personal resources to perpetuate this mission.
Name of Organization:Female Hebrew Benevolent Society
Number of Paid Staff:0
Number of Volunteers:
Total Organizational Expenses:$114,892
% of Organizational Overhead Expenses:3%
Among the many qualities that set FHBS apart from other organizations in Philadelphia’s Jewish community is our consistent adherence to our mission. We remain committed to carrying out the mitzvah of Tzedakah quickly, quietly and in a caring way. We try to approach our work with RAMBAM’s teachings in our minds and in our hearts. Our money is allocated carefully, and only at the request of a communal professional who has completed a financial assessment and exhausted all other resources on behalf of the client. FHBS strives to represent the core values that should define every Jewish community’s outreach to those in need. We hope to be around to continue to do so for another 190 years, at least.
I just wanted to thank you again for your generous gift to us. My children are really doing well at this camp. This is where they belonged in the beginning and with your help we are doing great.
-Anonymous
I can give to someone else who may be facing very hard times. I want to again say thank you for your generosity.
-Anonymous
Fundraise in your school or community toward our cause.
Name:Eileen Sklaroff
Title:President
Address:2125 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 United States
Telephone:(215) 545-3841
Email:tikkun36@verizon.net
Website: