Our Hebrew Free Loan program is rooted in the Jewish tradition of providing financial support in a manner that respects the dignity of the recipient. In collaboration with CJP, we offer interest-free loans to people of moderate income living in Greater Boston.

Examples of qualifying expenses

Loans of $1,000 up to $10,000 are available toward the following types of expenses:

• Bridge Loans: Small loans for living expenses during a transition
• Lifecycle Ceremonies: B’nai mitzvah, weddings, or funerals
• Summer camp, gap year, and teen and young adult Israel experiences
• New baby, fertility, adoption, or extension of maternity or paternity leave
• Car purchase or repairs
• Home repairs
• Move-in costs (e.g. first month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit)
• Healthcare not covered by insurance
• Care of older adults or people with disabilities
• Self-employed small business costs
• Small debt consolidation

Eligibility

We offer Hebrew Free Loans to people of moderate income who live in our service area, who have an eligible expense, and who have good credit as well as sufficient financial resources to repay the loan. We look for the following:

• Residency in the Greater Boston area
• Household income at or around 100% of area median income (AMI)
• Credit score of 650 or above 
• At least one credit-worthy co-signer
• Household budget demonstrating sufficient income for loan repayment

We strive to make Hebrew Free Loan accessible to those who may benefit from the program. If you meet some, but not necessarily all, of the financial criteria noted above, we encourage you to submit an inquiry. 

Repaying your loan

Loan repayment begins the first month after the loan was made. Loans are repaid through monthly direct automatic debit. The specific repayment amount and schedule will be decided in conversation with the representative working with you on your loan. 

Sample repayment plans

• $10,000 loan: $250 per month over 3 years and 4 months (40 months)
• $10,000 loan: $200 per month over 4 years and 2 month (50 months)
• $5,000 loan: $150 per month over 2 years and 9 months (33 months)

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for a Hebrew Free Loan, please call us at 781-693-1255 or email us at HFL@jfcsboston.org. Our staff will then reach out to schedule an initial phone conversation and go over next steps.