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Hebrew Free Loan of New Jersey (HFLNJ)

We Are Here to Help

Hebrew Free Loan of NJ has its roots in two biblical values:

The highest form of charity is to help someone in need to become self-sufficient.
and
“If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, do not act towards them as a creditor; exact no interest from them.”

– Exodus 22:24

Hebrew Free Loan organizations exist in the United States and around the world. Hebrew Free Loan of New Jersey has served this community since 1996.

Over the years, HFLNJ has expanded its reach to help those in need in not only Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union and Somerset counties, but also Monmouth, Middlesex, Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.

Who is eligible for a loan?

An applicant should be a member of the Jewish community of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Monmouth, Middlesex, Passaic, Sussex and Union counties.

For what purposes are loans given?

Loans are provided for many purposes, such as the following:

  • Coronavirus Financial Impact Loans. Loans to support individuals and small businesses with financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.
  • General Needs Loans. These loans are to support an individual’s emergencies, large expenses or general needs. The amounts of the loan may vary depending on the community but can range from $1,000 to $7,500.
  • Housing and Home Improvement Loans. These loans are to $15,000 to support an individual’s expenses related to housing or home improvement.
  • Building Jewish Families Loans. These loans are to support the costs associated with fertility treatments, surrogacy, gestational carrying, and/or adoption.
  • Building Jewish Businesses Loans. Loans given by The Cooperman Family Business Loan Fund of up to $25,000 to assist Jewish entrepreneurs to either launch a new business or expand an existing one.

    More information about the loan programs can be found here.
     

The HFLNJ Harriet Bilus Fund makes loans to women for starting or expanding a business.

At this time HFLNJ does not support student loans.

How much can be borrowed?

Loan amounts are set annually by the Board of Hebrew Free Loan. All loans are entirely interest free (borrowers pay back what they receive, nothing more).

What are the other requirements?

Borrowers must have the potential to repay the loan and will need to provide post dated checks in the full amount. Each loan must have at least one cosigner (two for home improvement and business loans), and the cosigner must live in New Jersey. The cosigner will become responsible for the loan repayment in the unlikely event that the borrower cannot meet his or her obligation.

What about confidentiality?

HFLNJ holds the highest standard of confidentiality. The loan is not a public record, but there are instances where a legal process may be used to recover unpaid balances.

How do I get started?

Download the application here: https://hebrewfreeloanofnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/HFLNJ-Application-for-Website.pdf

For residents of Essex, Hudson, Morris, Sussex, and Union Counties, please email MRatzker@jfsmetrowest.org.
For residents of Middlesex County, please contact Debby Alter at (732) 777-1940, X 1119.
For residents of Monmouth County, please contact Leslie Kornfeld at (732) 588-1805, X 13.
For residents of Bergen and Passaic Counties, please contact Laura Brody at (201) 791-8395.

“A loan is better than charity, for it enables one to help oneself”