FREE LOAN eNOTES

February 2006

PARSHAT MISHPATIM
”If thou lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act toward them as a creditor; exact no interest from them.” -Exodus Ch. 22:24

The above excerpt is from Parshat Mishpatim, this week's Torah portion. Each year, this portion serves as a reminder of the importance of interest-free lending and the service JFLA provides. This Shabbat, JFLA volunteers and staff speak at various synagogues around the city about the invaluable assistance and variety of loan programs JFLA offers to the community. This year, thanks to the Genesis advisory committee, we are thrilled to be making presentations at nine synagogues in both the valley and the city, our widest reach so far!

Participating synagogues include:

Adat Ari El Synagogue
Temple Beth Am Library Minyan
Kehillat Israel
Kol Ami
Congregation Or Ami
Sinai Temple
Temple Aliyah
Temple Isaiah
Valley Beth Shalom

JFLA WISH LIST
The following are a few items on JFLA's wish list:

• Items for our June e-auction, which will raise operating income for JFLA.  Our goal this year is to auction off 100 items. Examples of items include celebrity and sports memorabilia, event and concert tickets, designer clothing, watches or jewelry, time share weeks or points, etc. 
• Digital camera for photographing events and loan recipients for promotional materials.
• Coffee carafes, beverage pitchers, serving trays for meetings.
• A contribution of $2,500 to fund an additional undergraduate or graduate student loan this year.

If you would like to contribute or want more information, please contact (323)761-8830 or info@jfla.org.

SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for JFLA's 102nd Anniversary celebration to be held on
Wednesday evening, May 17th, 2006 at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica.
This year's gala promises to be a unique and creative evening featuring a
three-act cabaret style show. More details soon to follow.

THANK YOU JFLA
“I'm grateful that you were there for me. I was able to be relieved and have peace of
mind throughout my struggle. Thank you very much from my kids and me.”

“JFLA is a significant organization that helps Southern California residents overcome their financial problems. We are lucky to have JFLA around.”

ABOUT JFLA
The Jewish Free Loan Association is a nonprofit agency offering assistance to people of all faiths facing financial challenges. For over 100 years, JFLA has provided a helping hand instead of a handout to hundreds of thousands of people through interest-free loans for emergencies, education, developing small businesses, healthcare and life cycle events. JFLA is a source of economic justice in the community . The assistance JFLA provides is unique and invaluable, providing cash in hand while empowering borrowers. JFLA loan programs change lives and save lives, working to fight poverty and help make dreams come true.

Jewish Free Loan Association
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 715
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8830
www.JFLA.org

OR
22622 Vanowen Street, West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 464-3331

Alan Spiwak, President
Mark M. Meltzer, CEO
Evelyn Schecter, COO
Danielle Walsmith, Director of Communications

JFLA is an agency of the United Way and the Jewish Federation