Approximately one million dollars was spent by the B’nai B’rith for cultural and philanthropic activities since its last quinquennial convention, it was reported at today’s session by Dr. I. M. Rubinow, international secretary of the Order.
The increasing complexity of Jewish life, not only in America but throughout the world, and the appearance of many new problems in the relationship between the Jew and the world surrounding him, have demanded that the emphasis in the B’nai B’rith work be placed on stimulation of Jewish culture and on organization of efforts for improving the position of the Jew and preserving his civil and social rights, Dr. Rubinow declared.
MEMBERSHIP LOWER
The report by Dr. Rubinow discloses that B’nai B’rith now has a membership of approximately 67,000, a decrease of some 7,000 as compared with its membership five years ago. Of this loss, some 6,200 came from American districts, the rest from other countries. On the other hand, the number of lodges has increased during the last few years. There are now 627 B’nai B’rith lodges, or twenty-five more than five years ago.
Dr. Rubinow emphasized that there were moments, especially towards the end of 1932, when certain problems the Order faced appeared almost insoluble, and when the very existence of B’nai B’rith appeared to be at stake.
SEES DANGER OVER
“We are here to testify that the danger has passed,” Dr. Rubinow said. “We are here to prove that in the extent of its usefulness and ability to make a real contribution to Jewish life, and to withstand difficulties and attacks, the B’nai B’rith can point with real pride to the last five-year period.”
Dr. Rubinow said that in one year the Order succeeded in replenishing almost altogether the accumulated membership losses of five years of depression. “The Order became a greater force and influence for the Jewish people than it had been for decades,” he said.
Dr. Rubinow dwelt at length on the philanthropic assistance given by the B’nai B’rith to German Jewry and on the general philanthropic activities of the Order.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
