We are grateful to Donald and Roslyn Kahn, whose generous lead gift made it possible for Hebrew Free Loan to create permanent archives at the Stanford University Libraries that provide a unique lens into the history of Jewish life in Northern California. With their support, we digitized over 50,000 irreplaceable historical documents accumulated during Hebrew Free Loan’s 125-year history, and donated the originals plus a digital copy to Stanford Libraries.
Don and Roz’s families have been connected to Hebrew Free Loan for generations. Roz’s father, Phillip Schwartz, was president in the early 1960s, and Don’s father, Zel Kahn, was involved with the organization as well. Zel and his sons, Don and Scott, were successful entrepreneurs who appreciated Hebrew Free Loan’s support of Jewish business owners — especially those launching restaurants and small grocery stores. Don served on our Board of Directors in the 1990s.
Lifelong Bay Area residents, Don and Roz had long planned to leave a legacy gift to Hebrew Free Loan. When they learned of the immediate funding need for the archives, they chose to donate in 2019 for immediate use. While Don, of blessed memory, passed away in March 2022, we’re glad that both he and Roz had the chance to see their legacy’s impact on Northern California’s Jewish community.
Photo back row, left to right: Dr James Kahn (son), Robin Mayer (daughter), Roslyn Kahn. Front Row, left to right: Daniel Kahn (son); Donald Kahn, z”l
