By Wendy R. Corn | March 2022

Higher education comes with its own steep cost, but that should not deter students from aspiring to achieve their goals or applying for loans. The idea of Jews lending Jews money without interest is a distinctly Jewish tradition, based on biblical principles. HFLA affords a mitzvah opportunity to enable Jewish community members the dignity of re-paying a loan interest-free. The first fully disbursed interest-free Education Loan to be secured was used to cover Law School expenses for Sammy Pappert. 

How did you first hear about HFLA?

SP: My Mom and I were looking for low-interest loans. We had heard about HFLA through the community and wanted to explore this option rather than working with a typical bank. It’s a great resource since HFLA has branched out to include academic loans (up to 20K). I was the perfect candidate having grown up in the Austin Jewish Community, participated in BBYO, and was a member of Troop 28 that met at JCC.

Any student planning to take a loan has to undergo various layers of screening. What was your HFLA experience like?

SP: I found HFLA to be very welcoming and easy to work with. Every time I had a question or a snag, I could get in touch with a number of people. HFLA was accommodating, unlike a financial institution, e.g sending a check to my parent’s home. I have a custom payment schedule and  limited paperwork compared to other lenders. Grateful to HFLA for opening this up to students. This is one of the most common forms of debt, so having a loan that helps with school, rent, and food (20K) has given me peace of mind.

 Have you recommended HFLA to friends?

Yes. Recently, I’ve had friends going back to school. I’m not gun shy. Why not share a little secret that helped me and can also help them if they need extra funds to help with school for being a Physician, Veterinarian, or Law School? I tell them it’s like working for a little bit– It’s as if you don’t have to worry about the future of that payment knowing you’ll pay it back.

What are you doing now?

I graduated in May 2021. I’m working at Hegwood Law Group outside Houston. We focus on Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid, and Probate. I find this work in preparing for future generations heartwarming. I feel like I’m 25% a Therapist and 75% a Lawyer. No one is ever ready for death or wants to talk about it. I like helping people navigate what to do, how to save nontaxable education funds for children and grandchildren so someone’s legacy can be influential.

Higher education comes with its own steep cost, but that should not deter students from aspiring to achieve their goals or applying for loans. The idea of Jews lending Jews money without interest is a distinctly Jewish tradition, based on biblical principles. HFLA affords a mitzvah opportunity to enable Jewish community members the dignity of re-paying a loan interest-free. The first fully disbursed interest-free Education Loan to be secured was used to cover Law School expenses for Sammy Pappert. 

How did you first hear about HFLA?

SP: My Mom and I were looking for low-interest loans. We had heard about HFLA through the community and wanted to explore this option rather than working with a typical bank. It’s a great resource since HFLA has branched out to include academic loans (up to 20K). I was the perfect candidate having grown up in the Austin Jewish Community, participated in BBYO, and was a member of Troop 28 that met at JCC.

Any student planning to take a loan has to undergo various layers of screening. What was your HFLA experience like?

SP: I found HFLA to be very welcoming and easy to work with. Every time I had a question or a snag, I could get in touch with a number of people. HFLA was accommodating, unlike a financial institution, e.g sending a check to my parent’s home. I have a custom payment schedule and  limited paperwork compared to other lenders. Grateful to HFLA for opening this up to students. This is one of the most common forms of debt, so having a loan that helps with school, rent, and food (20K) has given me peace of mind.

Have you recommended HFLA to friends?

SP: Yes. Recently, I’ve had friends going back to school. I’m not gun shy. Why not share a little secret that helped me and can also help them if they need extra funds to help with school for being a Physician, Veterinarian, or Law School? I tell them it’s like working for a little bit– It’s as if you don’t have to worry about the future of that payment knowing you’ll pay it back.

What are you doing now?

SP: I graduated in May 2021. I’m working at Hegwood Law Group outside Houston. We focus on Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid, and Probate. I find this work in preparing for future generations heartwarming. I feel like I’m 25% a Therapist and 75% a Lawyer. No one is ever ready for death or wants to talk about it. I like helping people navigate what to do, how to save nontaxable education funds for children and grandchildren so someone’s legacy can be influential.