On Aug. 12, 1932, the Jewish Exponent reported that Mrs. Anna Esther Fridenberg donated a check for $400,000 — worth nearly $10 million today — to the Jewish Hospital Association, which operated the facility located on Old York Road that is now known as the Jefferson Einstein Hospital. That money was used in part to create a new surgery wing.
“After much thought, I came to the conclusion that no more fitting memorial could be erected than one designed to relieve and alleviate human suffering,” said Fridenberg in the article. “I, therefore, spent much time in visiting and studying Philadelphia and it gives me much pleasure to say to you in handing you this check that I do so because I am convinced that the Jewish Hospital is not only one of the best of such institutions in our city, but the one which is most deserving of aid and support.”
That gift was made possible by Fridenberg’s brother, Mone Samuel Fridenberg, a successful Philadelphia businessman who passed away and left his sister in charge of the $400,000.
The hospital was founded in 1864 and still stands today. While it is no longer Jewish in name, the hospital was renamed after legendary Jew Albert Einstein in 1951. On the grounds of the synagogue is the Henry S. Frank Memorial Synagogue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The gift from the Fridenburgs, who were lifelong Philadelphians, was accepted by Arthur A. Fleisher on behalf of the Jewish Hospital Association.