In November of 1847, a group of 47 people committed to starting a hospital “for the purpose of aiding the indigent sick without regard to race or creed, to be supported by the Jewish community.”  The early years were not easy: it took nearly ten years for their dreams to become a reality.  A temporary hospital opened in 1887 with the permanent facility opening in May of 1899.  The hospital survived the earthquake in 1906, the flu epidemic of 1918, and a severe staffing shortage in the 1920’s due to the war.