Rooted in Jewish Tradition
The tradition of interest-free lending goes back thousands of years, rooted in the Torah.
"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." - Exodus 22:24
Mission
HFLA helps Jewish residents of Washington with interest-free, fee-free loans that provide both a safety net and a gateway to opportunity.
Alway Interest Free
We are the only organization in the state offering interest-free loans to the Jewish community.
Recycling Funds Model
Repayments from current borrowers go directly into new loans, multiplying the impact of every donation.
History
For more than a century, HFLA WA has carried out this tradition by offering loans that uphold dignity, build resilience, and create opportunity in Washington’s Jewish community.
On June 26, 1914, four Seattle Jewish community leaders—S.B. Goldman, Harry Lerner, E. Friedman, and B. Schneider—incorporated the Hebrew Education and Free Loan Association. They established a community lending resource to help Jewish immigrants build more secure lives with dignity.
Their mission continues today. HFLA WA provides interest-free loans to Jewish individuals and families throughout Washington State. As a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans (IAJFL), we join a global network carrying forward this enduring mitzvah.
