Moses Wiesenfeld

Betsy Friedenwald was the daughter Jonas Friedenwald and Merle Bar Stern, small farmers in the village of Altenbuseck in Giessen, Germany. The couple immigrated to Baltimore with their four children when Betsy was seven. Jonas initially worked as an umbrella maker but soon became a junk peddler. The family opened a grocery, which Merle ran.

By 1854 Jonas had earned enough to retire and devote himself completely to charitable and communal work. He helped found the Baltimore Hebrew Orphan Asylum, the Hebrew Free Burial Society and the Hebrew Benevolent Society, serving as the organization’s treasurer for many years. In 1871 he led several members in seceding from the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation because of innovations introduced into the service, founding the Orthodox congregation Chizuk Emunah, where he served as parnas.

Friedenwald was known for providing assistance and training to young Jewish immigrants, one of whom, Moses Wiesenfeld, married Betsy in 1843. Moses became a successful clothing wholesaler and Betsy and Moses both devoted much time and effort to charitable organizations in Baltimore.

Moses Wiesenfeld

c. 1870