By offering loans rather than charity, Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego helps people become, and remain, self-sufficient.
While the philosophy is simple, it is based on a biblical mandate from the Lord to the Jewish people.
“If there will be among you a needy person, from one of your brothers in one of your cities, in your land the Lord, your G-d, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, and you shall not close your hand from your needy brother.” – Deuteronomy 15:7
“Rather, you shall open your hand to him, and you shall lend him sufficient for his needs, which he is lacking.” – Deuteronomy 15:8
“Thou shall not exact interest from the needy among you.” – Exodus 22:24
And synthesized by the Sage Maimonides –
“A loan is better than charity for it enables one to help oneself with dignity”
This is the foundation – the inspiration – for our work.