Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was inspired by Richard J. H. Gottheil, a professor of languages at Columbia University and a leader in the early American Zionist movement. On December 29, 1898, Professor Gottheil gathered together a group of Jewish students from several New York City universities to form a Zionist youth society. The society was called Z.B.T.

Due to the December 29 date when most universities out for the holidays, the Supreme Council passed a motion that ZBT’s Founders Day should be celebrated the first Saturday of March. Learn more.