(or Haym Solomon) (1740?–85), U.S. patriot and financier, founder of first Philadelphia synagogue, born in Lissa, Poland; moved to America 1772; opened commission merchant business in New York; arrested by British for conspiracy, he escaped death 1778 by escaping from jail; appealed in vain to Continental Congress for employment; became leading banker in Philadelphia, handling French and Dutch loans to colonies, advancing over $658,000 to finance American Revolution, loaned his own money at no interest to prominent statesmen; suffered reverses after war.