Heritage Initiatives
Mindful of its founding in 1898 as the nation's first Jewish Fraternity, ZBT preserves and cultivates its relationships within the Jewish community. Since 1954, ZBT has been committed to its policy of nonsectarian Brotherhood and values the diversity of its membership. ZBT recruits and initiates men of good character, regardless of religion, race, or orientation who are accepting of these principles.
As such, the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity remains in the unique position to serve as a convener on college campuses to address some of the deepest issues facing our brothers and their peers today: hate in all forms, including antisemitism.
The Heritage Initiatives seek to:
-
Offer opportunities for undergraduate brothers to stay actively involved in Jewish activities.
-
Educate both alumni and undergraduates about important issues affecting the Jewish community.
-
Emphasize "tikkun olam," or repairing the world, through mission trips and projects within Jewish communities.
-
Strengthen connections with Jewish organizations on campus.
-
Pay tribute to the rich heritage of our fraternity.
-
Foster stronger relationships between ZBT and organizations that share similar origins and goals, providing our members with additional programming options.
Combatting Campus
Antisemitism
This educational workshop explores the history of antisemitism to build context for the ways and forms antisemitism manifests today. It challenges students to think critically about their own assumptions, beliefs, biases, and values to address historic and current inequalities. Combatting Campus Antisemitism is available virtually or in person at low or no-cost for ZBT chapters.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Undergraduate and alumni brothers, families, and guests will have the opportunity as part of International Convention 2024 to spend a day at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This experience is both timely and impactful, offering attendees the chance to learn about and reflect on issues of racial, religious, ethnic, and sexual orientation intolerance.
Summit Against Hate
In partnership with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Alpha Mu, and Sigma Delta Tau, this program is a virtual conclave and in-person panel held at an educational conference for campus life professionals. Featured panelists include campus Jewish life professionals from agencies like Hillel and Chabad, higher education pro-Israel professionals, and #StandUptoJewishHate representatives.
Israel Education
Zeta Beta Tau assists our undergraduate brothers and their peer students in establishing a relationship with the State of Israel. Driven by our Heritage Initiative, the program seeks ways to partner with organizations that align themselves with similar values to develop educational programs enabling learning, promoting dialogue, and generating ideas for the support of Israel.
Chapter Heritage Grants
The initiative provides funds for chapters to sponsor events with local organizations that assist ZBT in preserving and cultivating its relationships within the Jewish community, as well as ZBT’s heritage. Past grants have been awarded to programs such as events featuring speakers discussing Israel and hosting a Holocaust Remembrance Day event on campus.