Betsy Friedenwald Wiesenfeld

Betsy Friedenwald was the daughter Jonas Friedenwald and Merle BarStern, small farmers in the village of Altenbuseck in Giessen,Germany. The couple immigrated to Baltimore with their four childrenwhen Betsy was seven. Jonas initially worked as an umbrella makerbut soon became a junk peddler. The family opened a grocery, whichMerle ran.

By1854 Jonas had earned enough to retire and devote himself completelyto charitable and communal work. He helped found the Baltimore HebrewOrphan Asylum, the Hebrew Free Burial Society and the HebrewBenevolent Society, serving as the organization’s treasurer formany years. In 1871 he led several members in seceding from theBaltimore Hebrew Congregation because of innovations introduced intothe service, founding the Orthodox congregation Chizuk Emunah, wherehe served as parnas.

Friedenwaldwas known for providing assistance and training to young Jewishimmigrants, one of whom, Moses Wiesenfeld,married Betsy in 1843. Moses became a successful clothing wholesalerand Betsy and Moses both devoted much time and effort to charitableorganizations in Baltimore.

Betsy Friedenwald Wiesenfeld

c. 1850–1870