campaign with the result that approximately $60,000 was obtained thus enabling them to reduce their indebtedness from $310,000 consisting of a first and second mortgage, to approximately $250,000, represented by the first mortgage.
To Congregation Har Zion of Wynnefield goes the credit for having solved its financial problem in the finest manner. Several weeks ago when the officers of the congregation were notified that they would have to reduce their mortgage on the synagogue by $50,000 they were at a loss as to the best method of solving the problem. Rabbi Simon Greenberg, spiritual leader of the Congregation, brought them together and placed the facts before them. Fully cognizant of the general financial depression, Rabbi Greenberg still ventured the hope that the directors would see their way clear to meet the request of the mortgage holding company. In answer to his appeal several of the members then and there volunteered to make substantial contributions. Before the evening was over, approximately $40,000 was raised. Imbued with the enthusiasm generated on that occasion, the directors undertook to visit the members of the congregation for the purpose of raising as much cash as possible. The result was that in less than two weeks the entire sum was obtained and last Friday a check was given to the North Philadelphia Trust Company in the amount of $103,133.33, thus clearing the Congregation of this indebtedness.
DEBORAH ASSOCIATION DRIVE
While this was going on the Philadelphia committee of the Deborah Consumptive Relief Association conducted a drive of its own with the result that approximately fifty thousand dollars in cash and in pledges were obtained. At this writing Congregation Emanuel, one of the smaller conservative congregations in an outlying section of the city, announced a campaign in the hope of raising twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars. This money they need in order to enlarge upon their present facilities. While it is altogether unlikely that they will get the amount requested, they stand chances of obtaining half or thereabouts, which is also an item.
All in all, a sum upwards of $300,000 was raised. This in the period of economic depression and in the face of all the gloom—a paradoxical people, ours.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
