Abstract

In 1912, B’nai B’rith expanded to the North of Europe. At that time, B’nai B’rith was an order for Jewish men, organized in local lodges. In a more informal way, women often participated in the work of the European B’nai B’rith lodges, and in the neighbouring District 8 Germany they were organized in sister circles. The lodges followed strict ceremonials. Much of their image reflected the social life of the bourgeoisie of those days, cultivating, within firm rules of conduct, cultural refinement in letters, music and arts. Charity – the lodges called it benevolence remembering the Jewish commandment of zedaka – was the face of the lodges towards the outside world.