Samuel M. Baker Memorial Hebrew Free Loan Fund

Celebrating Mr. Baker’s Commitment to Community

The Samuel M. Baker Memorial Hebrew Free Loan Fund honors Mr. Baker’s dedication to community, while fostering kindness and connection.

This interest-free loan program follows the Hebrew Free Loan tradition, brought from Eastern Europe to North America by Jewish immigrants. In the early 20th century, many such funds and loan associations were founded across the United States. They were inspired by the belief that lending to those in need is as important as charitable giving — and in some cases, even more impactful.

Supporters often reference Leviticus 25:37, which instructs that lending of this kind should be done without charging interest.

The Samuel M. Baker Hebrew Loan Fund provides working capital financing of up to $15,000 for eligible small businesses. (Learn more and determine if your business qualifies.)

If access to this loan fund would help you grow your business, fill out a loan inquiry form today!

INQUIRE ABOUT A LOAN

Questions?

For Central & Southern Ohio, please contact Boris Chudnovsky.
For Northern Ohio, please contact Harvey Smith.

About Samuel M. Baker

Born in Columbus and raised in Bexley, Sam Baker was a devoted son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. Sam believed in showing up, doing the right thing, and persevering even when confronted with challenging circumstances.

Sam graduated from OSU and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. On returning to Columbus, he joined and later ran Baker Rental Company, the building and management company founded by his father. Sam led the business as he lived his life: with scrupulous integrity, treating everyone he encountered with dignity.

A dedicated member of the Bexley and Columbus communities and a quietly proud Jew, Sam maintained a steadfast and unwavering commitment to Columbus, the Columbus Jewish community and to Israel.

Sam valued both hard work and independence, viewing small business as both a cornerstone of community and a way to harness the virtue of the former to achieve the latter. He appreciated the opportunity that he had been given to work hard and benefit from the fruits of his efforts and wanted similar opportunities to be available to others.

This memorial interest-free loan fund reflects Sam Baker’s desire for and deep-seated belief in the transformative power of small business creation, his desire to support and build his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and his profound dedication to a vibrant Jewish community. It honors and perpetuates his memory by supporting and advancing values that he held dear.

Sam Baker used philanthropy to further his beliefs and passions with the hope that his having done so may inspire some recipients may make similar gifts in the future after their businesses begin to thrive.

Interested in contributing to this fund?

Please contact Jackie Jacobs.