B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. 

 

B’nai B’rith International is widely respected as one of the world’s largest Jewish membership organizations promoting human rights, community action, and humanitarian efforts. Tikkun Olam is a concept that is an integral part of being Jewish. Loosely translated, it refers to our obligation to repair the world, to make the world a better place in which to live, work and play. What we in BBI do is in keeping with Tikkun Olam.  

 

The B’nai B’rith Achim/Gate City Lodge, established in 1870, is one of the oldest B’nai B’rith lodges. At the local level, we organize and promote volunteer community service programs, including the following:

 

Pinch Hitters — Our “Pinch Hitter” program (a tradition since 1980) provides hundreds of volunteers in Atlanta area hospitals and assisted living facilities to relieve Christian employees from non-technical, non-medical duties on Christmas Day so they can celebrate their holiday with their families.  In 1990, President George Bush (the first) recognized this program as his 335th Volunteer Point of Light.

 

Enlighten America, our annual Essay Contest for students (7th – 9th grades) encourages respect and tolerance of our friends and neighbors’ diverse religious beliefs and their racial and cultural backgrounds. The winners of the 2019 Enlighten America Essay Contest were announced on May 9. Businesses and schools interested in sponsoring or participating in the 2020 Enlighten America contest may contact Harry Lutz at hslutz_fsa@yahoo.com.

2020 Contest Guidelines       Flyer       2019 Photos

 

Unto Every Person There Is a Name — At the Georgia State Capitol, we read aloud names of actual victims of the Holocaust to help people realize the enormity of the 6 million individual lives lost. This nationally observed B’nai B’rith program generally occurs in May around Yom HaShoah. Anyone who would like to do so may read the names of victims; it is quite a moving experience for the reader and for those hearing the names being read.

 

Cares for Kids — We deliver new and gently used stuffed animals to children in hospitals and homeless shelters as well as police departments. Since 1997 we have distributed more than 20,000 furry friends to these children and brought countless smiles to their faces. If you have stuffed animals to contribute, please contact Cindy Sedran at cindyrtr@gmail.com. 

 

Our social programs combined with dinner at trendy Atlanta restaurants are popular, too, along with Trivia night, outings to plays and cultural events. 

 

For more information, please contact Harry Lutz at harry.lutz.45@gmail.com or 678-485- 8179.

 

Learn more about B’nai B’rith in Atlanta at Shining A Light on B’nai B’rith in Atlanta. 

 

To sign up for B’nai B’rith International newsletters, visit https://www.bnaibrith.org/newsletters.html.