Celebrating 125 Years of Jewish Fraternal Excellence
On December 29, 1898, a well-respected university professor gathered a group of rabbinical studies students from several New York City universities to form a Zionist youth society. During this brief period, the society came to serve as a fraternal body for college students who were excluded from joining existing fraternities because because they were Jewish.
By November 1901, the society had expanded rapidly and members agreed that the promotion of Judaism was equally as important as Zionism. In October 1906, Z.B.T. formally changed its name to Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and ratified its focus to that of a college-based social fraternity for Jewish students instead of a Zionist society. In 1954, the requirement to be Jewish was removed and since that time ZBT has been open to all male-identifying college students regardless of race, creed, faith or color who are accepting of our Jewish heritage and values.
Through two World Wars, the Holocaust, the Civil Rights movement, anti-fraternity sentiment in the 1960s and ’70s and political turmoil today —ZBT remains committed to justice, truth, social responsibility and Jewish values.
Throughout its first 125 years, ZBT has been a home to thousands …
Here’s to Our Fraternity!
Celebrate 125 years of brotherhood and be a part of our regional alumni receptions. Join brothers across the United States at these receptions featuring casual networking among brothers in a celebration of our great Fraternity. Each location will have co-hosts from among ZBT international leadership to welcome you.
Chicago
October 5, 6 p.m. CT in Deerfield.
Click here for full details and to RSVP!
Los Angeles
October 12, 6 p.m. PT in Sherman Oaks.
Click here for full details and to RSVP!
Miami
November 5, 11 a.m. ET in Coral Gables.
Click here for full details and to RSVP!
Atlanta
November 9, 6 p.m. ET in Sandy Springs.
Click here for full details and to RSVP!
Dallas
November 16, 6 p.m. in Northeast Dallas.
Click here for details and to RSVP!
No cost to attend these in-person receptions. All events have light appetizers provided and beverages available for purchase.
The celebrations culminate with the official anniversary on Founders Day on December 29, 2023. The kickoff to the celebration was enjoyed by many brothers and guests in New York City, the heart of our Fraternity’s birthplace, as part of 2023 International Convention in August.
Brotherhood for a Lifetime!
Over the next 125 years – and beyond – we will continue to fight for a safer, more equitable world with less hate and more Brotherly Love.