A SHORT HISTORY OF BBYO

    The B'nai Brith Youth Organization is composed of the AZA and BBG. In 1923, 15 boys got together to form the first AZA chapter. The first advisor to this chapter was Nathan Mnookin. This first chapter was in Omaha, Nebraska and was called Mother Chapter #1. On May 3rd, 1924, AZA was recognized as a national organization. This accomplishment was largely due to the work of Sam Beber, who is new credited as being the founder of AZA.

    The first convention of the Aleph Ztadik Aleph was held on July 4-6. 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska. This convention saw four chapters being represented, and elected the first Grand Aleph Godol , Charles Shane. In 1925 a man by the name of Henry Honsky got B'nai B'rith to sponsor the AZA.

        B'nai B'rith Girls was born on March 9, 1925, when the first group was organized in Seattle, Washington. However, BBG did not receive the national sponsorship immediately. It was not until eighteen years later that a national council of B'nai B'rith Women was created and could sponsor BBG on the national level. Among the devoted BBG volunteers was Mrs. Anita Perlman. In 1940, Mrs. Perlman became the first to , serve as chairman for the B'nai B'rith. Girls.

    The AZA is the brother organization of BBG. Many of the functions of BBG are combined with those of AZA. These two organizations are always ready to assist each other in any way possible.

    Today, the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization has chapters all over the United States, Canada, South America, Europe and Israel. The Order is strong and growing.