Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington
6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland 20852

Contact:  Deborah Reichmann, Executive Director, executivedirector@hebrewfreeloandc.org, (202) 725-6141

The Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLAGW) is maintained by the Jewish community of Greater Washington, DC, providing interest-free loans to members of the community, to help them meet their financial needs with dignity. Loans are available for a range of legitimate needs, including, but not limited to, medical bills, emergency bills, and credit card debts. Student loans are available for students in their junior and senior years of college and graduate students.
The Jewish philanthropic tradition of extending interest-free loans is a response to a biblical call (Exodus 22:24). “If you lend money to My people, to the needy among you, do not act toward them as a creditor: Exact no interest from them.” It is considered to be a profound act of lovingkindness, g’milat chesed, a central tenet of Judaism.
The Hebrew Free Loan Association exists to enable individuals to meet financial challenges and advance their ability to support themselves and their families.

A bar or bat mitzvah student will agree to donate a portion of their gifts to the HFLAGW, he or she will meet with members or directors of the HFLAGW to learn about the loan programs, how this type of charitable giving fits into the Jewish view of tzedakah, and learn about some basic financial literacy.