Fraternal and Benevolent Societies in Ontario

B'nai B'rith

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The oldest Jewish fraternal organization, founded in the USA in 1843 primarily to encourage education among Jewish men. Although originally fraternal, it soon developed political influence. The first non-US lodge was in Toronto in 1875 and over the next few years spread internationally. In 1897 it established a ladies’ auxiliary which became B’nai B’rith Women which in 1988 became the independent Jewish Women International.

The local unit is called a Lodge and there are District Grand Lodges. The Canadian District Grand Lodge was formed in 1964. The women’s groups are called Chapters.

Click for a list of Lodges in Ontario
Click for a list of Chapters in Ontario

References:
http://www.bnaibrith.org/
Stevens p207
http://bnaibrith.ca/<

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