Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia.

At the twenty-ninth anniversary meeting of the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, held November 1st, 1848, the following report was presented:—

Ladies,—

The occasion which again calls us together does not become less interesting because it is often repeated. “The poor shall never cease out of the land” has been said by our inspired lawgiver—nor the duty of relieving their wants from the hands of those on whom God has bestowed abundance. “Thou shalt not shut thine heart against thy poor brethren,” says the same benevolent sage; and he was aware when he uttered this charge that it would find acceptance among his hearers; for there is a chord in every human heart which warmly vibrates to the call of charity. The poet of nature recognises this feeling when he describes “the quality of mercy to be twice blessed;” it blesses him that gives and him that takes. How manyfold blessed, then, is the <<463>>enduring mercy which annually renews its office, seeking out and relieving  the poor “who have not ceased out of the land,” or who have come weary-ladened from more inhospitable shores, having heard that the Jew may here rest in peace under equal laws, and reap the fruits of honest industry; here his children may be trained up to become useful citizens—may enjoy the products of a fertile soil, and offer grateful thanksgiving to the God of Israel in the congregation of his own people.

Since the last meeting many new calls have been made on our Visiting Committees, foreign as well as native, whose necessities must be provided for before the approach of winter—the usual pensioners continuing to receive such aid as enables them, with their own efforts, to live comfortably—the widow who industriously plies her needle while she attends her little shop, anxiously keeping “rent day” in view—the daughter who nurses a feeble parent—or the mother who hangs over the bed of her infant—all require a helping hand which your bounty must supply.

In the last year you sent a sorrowing girl home to her fatherland—a stranger who had wandered far in pursuit of a beloved brother, whom she found not, for he was dead. Her health of mind and body were exhausted; one sane idea alone possessed her—a longing for her native home. A respectable elderly gentleman, about to return to Europe, kindly took charge of her, and we confidently hope she is now restored to her natural protectors? Your committees, too, have had to supply board and nursing for an infant whose mother was unable to take charge of it while earning a sustenance.

For such as these, and for other destitute children of Jewish parentage, who cannot be placed in the established asylums of this charitable city, the Board have long desired to see a “Foster-home” institution opened, where shelter and instruction may be afforded, and conducted under a Jewish patronage. A donation of $5.00 was acknowledged last year from a lady who thus evinced her approbation of such a plan. Other interesting results of your charity might be cited, but it is deemed unnecessary to quicken the spirit of that benevolence which has so many years been spontaneously offered.

The Treasurer’s account will show the amount of receipts and expenditures, when you will find how munificently the managers of the Hebrew Benevolent Ball have again contributed to the funds, and how faithfully the annual subscribers have redeemed their pledge. With these encouragements the Board have every motive for united exertions, and gratefully submit their report to your consideration and liberality.

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Anna Allen, Treasurer, in account with Female Hebrew Benevolent Society.