B'nai B'rith Interlodge Council of Greater Cleveland.

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.

From the description of B'nai B'rith Interlodge Council of Greater Cleveland records, 1945-1992. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 41541902

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.

From the guide to the B'nai B'rith Interlodge Council of Greater Cleveland Photographs, 1924-1993, (Western Reserve Historical Society)