B'nai B'rith, Greater Seattle Lodge 3003 photograph collection, circa 1934-circa 1989

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 twelve German Jews in New York, B'nai B'rith has 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. Local chapters meet in cities around the nation.