B’nai B’rith

B'nai B'rith, or “Sons of the Covenant”, is one of the largest internationally active Jewish organizations, with over 500,000 members in 60 countries.

1843-1937

A new start after 1945

History of B'nai B'rith

Founded in New York in 1843 by twelve Jewish immigrants from Germany, B'nai B'rith has always been dedicated to promoting tolerance, humanity and welfare.

The first branch of the order in Germany was founded in Berlin in 1882 under the name “Deutsche Reichsloge”. During the First World War, B'nai B'rith was actively involved in war welfare for Jewish soldiers and their families. In the 1920s, there were nine lodges in Berlin with over 2,500 members. They were particularly involved in practicing “Zedaka” (charity).

They founded orphanages, supported needy members of the community and organized educational programmes.

In 1924, the Berlin congregational rabbi and scholar Leo Baeck was elected Grand President of the entire German district.

Before the National Socialists came to power in 1933, there were 102 individual lodges throughout Germany with over 20,000 members. In April 1937, the Nazi government banned B'nai B'rith and confiscated the organization's assets and property. The Gestapo moved into the Berlin lodge at Kleiststraße 10.

B'nai B'rith certificate coat of arms, USA 1876

Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, reproduction number LC-DIG-ppmsca-05662.

Lodge house at Kleiststraße 10 in Berlin-Schöneberg (1882 - 1937), photo 1919.

Source: Communications from the Grand Lodge for Germany VIII, front page of the October 1919 monthly bulletin, commemorative publication for the German B'nai B'rith Day. Excerpt from: Guntram B. Seidler, 2013, On the history of the Independent Order of Bne Briss (U.O.B.B.) and its Germania Lodge II No. 335, self-published, p. 43.

Lodge house at Kleiststraße 10 in Berlin-Schöneberg (1882 - 1937), photo 1919.

Source: Communications from the Grand Lodge for Germany VIII, front page of the October 1919 monthly bulletin, commemorative publication for the German B'nai B'rith Day. Excerpt from: Guntram B. Seidler, 2013, On the history of the Independent Order of Bne Briss (U.O.B.B.) and its Germania Lodge II No. 335, self-published, p. 43.

Grand President of the German Lodges (1924-1937), Dr. Leo Baeck, 1951

Source: Keystone Press/Alamy Stock Photo

A new beginning after 1945

In post-war Germany, Holocaust survivors founded new lodges in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Cologne.

In order to fulfil their humanitarian and charitable mission, they work closely with other Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and political institutions. They are also involved in campaigns against anti-Semitism and racism, as well as projects to promote tolerance and peace.

International significance of B'nai B'rith

With over 180 years of history, B'nai B'rith is one of the world's oldest and largest Jewish organizations with more than 500,000 members in 60 countries.

As an non-governmental organization (NGO), B'nai B'rith is a member of the Advisory Council of the European Parliament and sends delegates to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg (France).