History of AZA
AZA was founded in June, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska by a group of Jewish teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17. It arose as a response of the Jewish community, who were not allowed into the Greek fraternities. The first real chapter which was formed in 1923 was Mother Chapter AZA #1. When their first advisor, Nathan Mnookin, moved to Kansas City, they asked Sam Beber to fulfill the role. He accepted it, under the condition that Jewish fraternities would stretch across the world.
In April, 1925, Beber, representing the then seven chapters, went to the B'nai B'rith national convention to ask for their sponsorship. They adopted AZA as their primary youth organization. In 1927, First International AZA #31 was created in Calgary, Alberta. In 1928, the five folds were introduced, defining the way of AZA programming. The 5 folds are Athletics, Community Service/Social Action, Education, Judaism, and Social. In 1944, B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) was established and B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) overshadowed them. Today, there are over 2500 chapters in 15 countries.
In April, 1925, Beber, representing the then seven chapters, went to the B'nai B'rith national convention to ask for their sponsorship. They adopted AZA as their primary youth organization. In 1927, First International AZA #31 was created in Calgary, Alberta. In 1928, the five folds were introduced, defining the way of AZA programming. The 5 folds are Athletics, Community Service/Social Action, Education, Judaism, and Social. In 1944, B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) was established and B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) overshadowed them. Today, there are over 2500 chapters in 15 countries.
Up You Men- Official AZA Pep Song
Up You Men
And sing to the AZA
Time will pass
And we'll be on our way
As the years go by
There will be
Happiest of Memories (Ra Ra Ra)
Stand and then
We'll sing this song again
All you loyal men
Sing the praises of our order
Sing up you men AZA
Brothers we'll be
As we share our cares each day
Happy and Free
Through the years go on their way
Starting anew
Face to face with destiny
Hearts beating true
For the friends and loves to be
So...(repeat first two stanzas)
And sing to the AZA
Time will pass
And we'll be on our way
As the years go by
There will be
Happiest of Memories (Ra Ra Ra)
Stand and then
We'll sing this song again
All you loyal men
Sing the praises of our order
Sing up you men AZA
Brothers we'll be
As we share our cares each day
Happy and Free
Through the years go on their way
Starting anew
Face to face with destiny
Hearts beating true
For the friends and loves to be
So...(repeat first two stanzas)