Zeta Beta Tau

Founded in 1898, ZBT is the world’s first and largest Jewish Fraternity. Since our historic founding, more than 140,000 men have been initiated into our great Brotherhood. On December 29, 1898, Professor Gottheil gathered a group of Jewish students from several New York City universities to form a Zionist youth society. The society was called Z.B.T. During this brief period, the society came to serve as a kind of fraternal body for college students who, as Jews, were excluded from joining existing fraternities because of the sectarian practices which prevailed at the end of the nineteenth century in the United States. The continuing need for a Greek-letter fraternity open to Jewish students prompted Z.B.T. to change its raison d’etre, structure and emphasis and to become Zeta Beta Tau in 1903.

Again, making history, in 1989 ZBT became the first fraternity to abolish pledging and all two-tier membership statuses. Our Brotherhood focuses on equal rights, privileges and responsibilities for all brothers. We firmly stand against all forms of hate in our communities, and we are working to create a safer and more inclusive college and community environment for all students. ZBT prides itself on being an inclusive Jewish organization welcoming of any college man who understands and appreciates our Mission. ZBT will recruit and initiate men of good character — regardless of religion, race or creed — who are accepting of our Credo and Mission. 

• Colors: Medium Blue and White
• National Founding Date: December 29, 1898
• Principles: Intellectual Awareness, Social Responsibility, Integrity, Brotherly Love
  Motto: Forging Leaders, Bettering the World
• National Philanthropies: Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Jewish Women International, Gift of Life Marrow Registry

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