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 Commun
ity. 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. 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. 2019 Pinch Hitter video
Enlighten America is an annual Essay Contest for 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students in Metro Atlanta. It encourages respect and tolerance of our friends’ and neighbors' diverse religious beliefs and racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. It stresses civic harmony over violence and equality over prejudice. View the 2019-20 Winning Essays
To participate, middle and high school students (grades 7-9) should reflect on the significance of the No Place For Hate pledge respect for our diversity in race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, and sexual orientation - by writing about the issues of bigotry and prejudice, how such issues have (or have not) been addressed in recent years, and how such issues affect our quest for peaceful coexistence among our friends and neighbors, and throughout the world. Alternatively, you may research and select one or more quotes attributed to an American president, a world leader, or a local community leader. Write about the meaning of the specific quote and how this relates to our society today. You may also reflect on the pledge or use a current event, an event in your life, or an event in history. Tell us why you chose the quote/s or event you selected and its relevance to the issues of bigotry or prejudice. Be sure to fully define the problem and address the challenges that might be faced in implementing solutions and improvements. Review the contest rules and then submit your essay now! All entries must be received by Thursday, March 31, 2022. Winners will be announced in mid-May 2022. Winners in each grade category will receive the prizes as listed below:
· First-place winners will be awarded $350.
· Second-place winners will be awarded $250.
· Third-place winners will be awarded $150. The 2021-2022 Enlighten America Essay Contest is a volunteer community service project brought to you by the Achim/Gate City Lodge of B’nai B’rith International. It is FREE to enter this essay contest and you do not need to be a member of B’nai B’rith. Visit https://enlightenamerica.weebly.com to learn how to enter this contest. Download and print the Enlighten America 2020 flyer. More details at https://www.atlantajewishconnector.com/enlighten-america-2021-2022-the-bnai-brith-essay-contest-for-7th-8th-9th-grade-students/
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. B'nai B'rith 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 Helen Scherrer-Diamond at: [email protected]. Our social programs include dinner at outdoor and fun Atlanta restaurants, Trivia night, Bowling, Plays and Cultural Events. We want more young people involved so please share your ideas! For more information, please visit www.bnaibrith.org/atlanta-georgia.html or contact Harry Lutz at [email protected] or 678-485- 8179. To sign up for B'nai B'rith International newsletters, visit https://www.bnaibrith.org/newsletters.html
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How to Support B'nai B'rith Atlanta - Achim/Gate City Lodge. The Achim/Gate City Lodge of B'nai B'rith is a PayPal-registered charity and enrolled in the PayPal Giving Fund. 100% of your donation will reach us and support our mission. You can access our lodge PayPal Giving Fund page at http://bit.ly/BnaiBrithAtlantaPayPalGivingFund to donate to the programs and activities of our lodge. You can also donate to thru PayPal at https://bit.ly/BnaiBrithATLPayPal (credit card accepted, charity rate fees deducted from your donation). Checks payable to B'nai B'rith Atlanta can be mailed to Harry Lutz, Treasurer, 1748 Corners Cove, Dunwoody, GA 30338. When you shop , Amazon will make a donation to our B’nai B’rith Lodge. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/58-0870424
Shop with your Kroger Rewards card or alternate ID (phone #) to help our Achim Gate City Lodge! If you already have a Kroger Plus Card, you can sign up immediately with our special B’nai B’rith lodge organization number GY528. Just call Kroger at 800-576-4377 and give them the B'nai B'rith Atlanta number GY528 and our Lodge will get the cash credit when we shop at Kroger. Or just simply register online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com.
