Jewish Bread Meat and Coal Society

The Jewish Bread Meat and Coal Society was established in 1779 as the "Society for Distributing Bread Meat and Coal Amongst the Jewish Poor During the Winter Season" (Hebrew: Meshebat Naphesh). It is the oldest charity in the UK to be founded by the Ashkenazi Jews. Prominent among the founders of the charity were Mr Levy Barent Cohen, who became its first President.

The charity was managed by Committee, and subscribers had the chance to nominate deserving causes for aid. Also, large annual dinners were held, at which donations were made to chaitable funds.