B'nai B'rith

Early Development and Growth

Initially, its goals were two pronged: assimilate Jewish men, women, and children into mainstream American culture; and establish a strong American Jewish community. Founded originally as a brotherhood, B'nai B'rith emphasized culture based on ethnicity over religion in an attempt to bridge the religious differences that spanned the various denominations of Judaism, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements, each espousing patently different doctrine and dogma.

Akin to many immigrants during this time period, Jewish immigrants sought ways to assimilate American ways of life into their daily routines so that they and their children would blend seamlessly into U.S. culture. In the specific case of Jewish immigrants, this adaptation sometimes inspired a secular approach to Judaism. Therefore, members often made their sole connection to Jewish heritage through the primarily social, rather than religion-based, vehicle of B'nai B'rith.

The organization established itself first in New York and Baltimore but quickly grew across the East Coast and expanded into the western and southern regions of the United States. B'nai B'rith members initially established smaller groups or [Page 374]“lodges” in larger metropolitan areas and then cultivated supplementary lodges in smaller communities. The growth in number of lodges naturally led to an increase in new members. The lodges sustained themselves financially by charging induction and membership fees. They also served a philanthropic function by requiring additional payments from members that were directed to an insurance fund for Jewish widows and orphans. In its contemporary form, B'nai B'rith has grown into a global Jewish organization with a presence in over 50 countries, where it is known as B'nai B'rith International (BBI).

Philanthropic Affiliations

In addition to establishing lodges, the organization has focused its efforts on philanthropy and social services. As early as 1897, a women's auxiliary group enjoyed a brief existence, and then, in 1909, the first official B'nai B'rith Women was formed in San Francisco. In 1927, B'nai B'rith Girls groups emerged, sometimes called Junior Auxiliaries or Girls’ Auxiliaries. Until 1990, however, only men were allowed full membership, and B'nai B'rith maintained a somewhat complementary relationship with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Since that time, women have been allowed full membership in B'nai B'rith.

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