B'nai B'rith Balfour Lodge.

The B'nai B'rith Balfour Lodge was established in 1930 to reach Jews living on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. For a history of B'nai B'rith in Cleveland, see the register to Ms. 4773 B'nai B'rith Interlodge Council of Greater Cleveland Records.

From the description of B'nai B'rith Balfour Lodge records, 1937-1977. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 41541874

The B'nai B'rith Interlodge Council of Greater Cleveland was formed in 1942 to coordinate lodge activities of the Cleveland, Ohio, chapter of B'nai B'rith. The Cleveland chapter of B'nai B'rith (f. 1853) is Cleveland's oldest service organization. The national organization was founded in 1843 in New York City with the goals of "uniting Israelites in the work of promoting their highest interests and those of humanity," and using philanthropy and other activities to alleviate suffering and poverty. Simson Thorman became the Cleveland group's first president. Various lodges were established, reaching twelve in number in the 1930s. The organization's service activities included the establishment of the first B'nai B'rith library in America (1863) and the Jewish Orphan Home (1863), as well as fundraising for national and international disasters.

In addition to its service functions, B'nai B'rith provided a social and fraternal outlet for the growing Jewish population of Cleveland.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for B'nai B'rith

From the guide to the B'nai B'rith Balfour Lodge Records, 1937-1977, (Western Reserve Historical Society)