Born in Philadelphia in 1781, Rebecca Gratz was a proponent of Jewish education and a pioneer in establishing charitable institutions.

She devoted her adult life to providing relief for Philadelphia's underprivileged women and children and securing religious, moral and material sustenance for all of Philadelphia's Jews, including: The Philadelphia Orphan Society (1815), The Female Association (1801) The Jewish Foster Home (1855), The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society (1819), and Hebrew Sunday School (1818).

She died August 27, 1869 at the age of 88 and was buried in the Mikveh Israel Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Photos:

Rebecca Gratz Plaque in the Hebrew Garden

Further Reading:

Jewish Heritage On-Line Magazine     

On-Line Encyclopedia.

Jewish Virtual Library

Britannica Encyclopedia

Mihal, John. Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 10,1937. Wisdom’s House’ Dwells in Hebrew Cultural Garden.