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Jewish service organization. 1843- . B'nai B'rith, which means "sons of the covenant," is the oldest and largest American Jewish service organization. Founded in 1843,as Bundes Bruder by 12 German Jews in New York, B'nai B'rith had as its purpose "to unite Israelites in the work of protecting their highest interests and those of humanity." The organization is open to all branches of Judaism. It is dedicated to philanthropy and has offered assistance in both natural and manmade disasters. Other projects are youth organizations, orphanages, hospitals, libraries, vocational-training programs, and Hillel religious facilities at U.S. colleges, etc. Local chapters meet in cities around the nation.