(Special to the J.D.B)
When his will was probated here it was found that Abe S.Max, prominent business man in the community, had not only left his money to various local charities, but had included some good advice to his friends.
“To my near and dear friends,” the will read, “you know who you are, I give my best wishes. I ask you to give when called upon and God will always give you more. I am shedding tears right now to think that at some time we will part and I ask you to carry out the principles of the B’nai B’rith– Benevolence, Brotherly Love and Harmony”.
The will provides for the distribution of a portion of his estate, valued at about $25,000, to hospitals, synagogues and schools and sets asiide several trust funds for essay contests. One of the contest on “A Jewish Deed” will give to the winning Jewish student in Lehigh Valley a prize from the income of a &500 fund.
Apparently not satified with the extent of his own philanthropies, the will appeals to his friends to pay off the mortgages on all synagogues. In allentown. “I doubt very much whether it will amount to more than $15,000 and what is that to cheerful givers? God gives to cheerful givers,” MaX wrote.
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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.