The Philadelphia Fels, 1880-1920

the long version

"The Philadelphia Fels focuses on the philanthropic and civic energies of five siblings, children of German immigrants Lazarus and Susannah Fels, and two sisters-in-law who became multimillionaires by the manufacturing of what was for two generations the nation's most popular soap, Fels-Naptha. Once the family achieved financial success they devoted most of their lives and prodigious energies to Tzdedakah (charity as righteousness). Though their involvements were national, and international, as well as local, their major contributions were made in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. The Philadelphia Fels left a heritage of good works and social activism by pioneering in civic, fund-raising, educational, and progressive Jewish and secular movements."--BOOK JACKET.