Hebrew Benevolent Society (Charleston, S.C.)

Founded in 1784.

Founded in 1784, the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Charleston, South Carolina, claims to be "the oldest Jewish charitable society in the United States." Since its early records are lost, not much is known of its goals and actions until after the Civil War; in fact, the date of its founding was not realized until the early 20th century. Incorporated in 1830, it is known to have assisted in burial of the dead, help for the poor, and medical help to the ill; it functioned under the aegis of Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim of Charleston.

Reorganized after the Civil War, it aided indigents and worked with physicians to minister to the Jewish poor, raising funds from memberships, gifts and legacies, and annual Purim balls. In 1951, instead of coming to the aid of individual petitioners, the Society joined with similar organizations to organize the Charleston Jewish Social Services, which received the bulk of its annual disbursements. In 1950, the organization received the assets of the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society of Charleston, S.C., and in 1965, its history, written by Thomas J. Tobias, was published.