Envisioning a world where Jewish women are free from financial struggles and can move toward self-sufficiency and economic security
Guided by Jewish values, the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia has been providing immediate assistance to local, Jewish women in financial crisis since 1819, always upholding the privacy, dignity and self-respect of those we serve.
$78,418 distributed
During the fiscal year that ended April 30, 2025, FHBS assisted 60 clients. The average grant was $983. Top areas of need were dental and medical services and supplies and shelter. This program is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Special funding for victims of domestic violence was provided by Marcy Gringlas & Joel Greenberg, Seed the Dream Foundation.
$22,316 distributed
Fifteen women received stipends of $150-$315 per month. These women also received $100 gift cards for Hanukkah and $100 supermarket gift cards for Passover. Financial updates are required for all stipend recipients midway through the funding cycle.
$11,843 distributed
Fifty-one frail, elderly women gained peace of mind with the connection of a personal emergency response system to their telephone equipment, enabling them to remain safely in their homes. Five calls for assistance were placed. When a client pushes her call button, FHBS is notified, and in turn, alerts her care manager.
$10,595 distributed
Twenty women received $50 or $100 gift cards to a pharmacy of choice for a six to twelve-month period. The program runs in six-month cycles, and most participants are continued for a second cycle on the recommendation of their case managers. This program was initiated in memory of our board member emerita, Lillian Tabas.
$23,500 distributed
Forty-two campers from 20 families attended 17 different day and overnight camps last summer. Funding came from the Jackie & Alan Luria and Marcy Gringlas & Joel Greenberg, Seed the Dream Foundation.
Board of Managers
“I have heard about many tragic situations in which women of all ages find themselves, particularly the elderly, and I am so grateful to be able to be part of a network of support.”
— Carol Shore
“It is a gift to be able to give to others. So many of our recipients have written notes of thanks remembering the privilege of once being a donor.”
— Judy Richards
“My father always taught me that if I were ever in trouble to turn to our Jewish community for help. Life is unpredictable, and it is a gift to be able to help someone often like myself.”
— Naomi Benditt
“FHBS is a small, deeply rooted institution that cares for its vulnerable population with respect and reliability. It has been a persistent instruction for me on the meaning of tzedakah.”
— Gabrielle Applebaum
“My husband called my attention to an article in The New Yorker about how some seemingly small problem, like needing dentures, could snowball into a person losing her job, her apartment, her health. I’ve certainly seen FHBS clients who have lost their economic footing, and we have helped them achieve stability in their lives.”
— Barbara Jaffe
“I was happy to join an organization that practices the highest form of giving — the recipient does not know from whom the money comes and the donor does not know who is on the receiving end.”
— Elaine Katz
“FHBS is a group of caring women who will go out of their way to make a difference in a stranger’s life.”
— Pam Stein
“FHBS gives women a chance at empowerment, a chance to take control of their lives and possibly afford them a glimpse at the luxury of self-respect and self-worth.”
— Carmel Levine
“I originally viewed my board membership as the fulfillment of a personal obligation. As I learned more about the organization and became enmeshed in its operations, I understood that I had been offered an opportunity and a privilege.”
