UC-NRLF $B l-^l 3Efl Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/dutyknowledgefaiOObnairich DO' BUM, KNOWLEDGE ^^D K^I^Fp. ^mnnii OF THK Y0OTP3' M]il\iinY(Y OF I. 0. B. B. r; .V. i \v'(]^k\' ADOPTED BY DISTRICT GRAND I,ODGK, No. 4, I. O. B. B. January 30th, 1895. TITLES OF OFFICERS. Presiding officer Preceptor Assistant presiding officer Vice Preceptor Junior past presiding officer Mentor I^owest officer in line of promotion Guide C4. A r Ar\. r A Right I^evite Stewards of the Lodge ^^^ LeviTE Keeper of the treasury Treasurer Keeper of the records Secretary -p. ; / ' ' c • ' ' Inner Sentinei, Doorkeepers,...-..,. OuTER SenTinei, A.'dmJnistratLve officers Three Trustees V FORM OF LODGE. Secretary. M PRECEPTOR. BIBLE. Treasurer. LEFT LEVITE. RIGHT LEVITE. Inner Sentineiv. VICE PRECEPTOR. Outer Sentinei.. 442412 INSTRUCTIONS. The officers of a Lodge should commit to memory their parts DdtR"'" [When the hour of meeting has arrived, the Preceptor, or, in his absence, the Vice Preceptor, takes the chair. If both be absent, the Mentor presides.] [The presiding officer is authorized to fill vacancies tem- porarily.] PrKCKptor. — Colleagues, please be seated. The oflficers will please take their stations. The Inside Sentinel will close the door of the Lodge room. Insidk Skntinki<. — ^The door is closed. Prkckptor. — The Levites will satisfy themselves that all present are entitled to remain. [The Levitesmake the necessary examination, and report the result to the Preceptor.] Right I^kvite. — Preceptor, we find all present en- titled to remain. [Each oflBcer rises and gives the signal of salutation when ad- dressed by the Preceptor, and remains standing until the signal to be seated is given.] Preceptor. — Vice Preceptor, as members of the Auxiliary of the Independent Order of B'nai B'ritb, what are our obligations ? Vice Preceptor. — To foster Duty, cherish Kfiow- ledge and champion our holy Faith, Pr^C2^toJ?i.-'-Kow ' ca^n :these results be best attained ? ViCK Prkckptor. — By forming bands of brethren, uniting our efforts, inspiring one another with zeal, and acting in a manner that will glorify God's name and shed luster upon Israel. PrKCEJptor. — Have we not begun our work in the right manner ? Are we not united ? ViCK Prkckptor. — We are. Under the authority of the I. O. B. B., we are a legally constituted Lodge, have a duly installed Board of Officers, and are now lawfully assembled for the transaction of business. Prkceptor. — That the business of this Lodge may be conducted with efficiency and decorum, I will as- certain whether the officers are proficient in their duties. Inside Sentinel, what are your duties ? Inside Skntinki.. — To guard the inside door and allow no one to enter without the term password, un- less I know him to be a colleague, or he be vouched for as a Ben B'rith. Preceptor. — Levites, what are your duties ? Right Levite. — To prepare the Lodge room for meeting and initiation, to see that no intruder be present at our assemblages, and perform such other duties as may be required. Preceptor. — Guide, what are your duties? Guide. — To assist at the introduction of candidates, and to prepare them for initiation. — 7 — PrKCKptor. — Mentor, what are your duties ? Mkntor. — To invoke God's blessing upon our as- semblages, to prepare candidates for their duties, and to assist in the exemplification of our Ritual. PrKCKptor. — Treasurer, what are your duties? Trkasurkr. — To receive moneys from the Secre- tary, and hold the same for the Lodge, unless other- wise directed. Preceptor. — Financial Secretary, what are your duties ? FiNANCiAi, Secretary. — To keep the accounts of the colleagues in a strict and business-like manner. Preceptor. — Recording Secretary, what are your duties ? Recording Secretary. — To keep the minutes of the Lodge and attend to the correspondence. [Where there is but one Secretary the following formula is observed.] [Preceptor. — Secretary, what are your duties? Secretary. — To keep the accounts of the col- leagues in a strict and business-like manner; also, to keep the minutes of the Lodge and attend to the cor- respondence.] Preceptor. — Vice Preceptor, what are your duties ? Vice Preceptor. — To preside in the absence of the Preceptor and to assist him in the duties of his ofl&ce. Preceptor. — What are the duties of the Preceptor ? Vice Preceptor. — To preside impartially, enforce the Laws of the Auxiliary and of the B'nai B'rith, to promote our principles and guard our interests. Preceptor. — Vice Preceptor, as we believe with our fathers in the divine inspiration of the holy scrip- tures and the teachings contained therein, it is our duty as Israelites to continue to draw spiritual strength from that source. You will now proceed with the reading of a part of the holy scriptures, as is customary among our people. [Preceptor gives the signal to the colleagues to rise.] [The Vice Preceptor steps down from his station and takes his stand between the lycvites. They halt a moment and then to- gether in solemn step walk to the center of the hall in front of the altar. The Vice Preceptor reads aloud a short portion from the scriptures. The Levites stand at the side of the altar, facing each other. The three remain in position until the Mentor has delivered a prayer, when they return to their stations in the same manner.] Preceptor. — The Mentor will invoke the favor of our Heavenly Father. Mentor. — Eternal God, Thou art one; and before Thee there is none else. Thou art the center of all life, the source of all power, and the fountain of all wisdom. We are ever drawn nearer to Thee by the consciousness of our dependence, and our faith in Thee is ever growing stronger by the knowledge of Thy goodness and love. We beseech Thee, O God, teach us to realize the solemnity of our duties, and help us to carry on the work before us in order and harmony. Bless this assemblage. Bless the Order of B'nai B'rith. Bless our parents and guardians, and grant aid and protection to all who pray for it. Amen. Preceptor. — I now declare the Lodge open for the transaction of business. [Signals to be seated.] [The Lodge proceeds with the regular order of business.] CLOSING THE LODGE. Preceptor. — Vice Preceptor, the Lodge has fin- ished its business and is now ready to adjourn. You will, therefore, give the colleagues a parting lesson. [Gives the signal to rise.] Vice Preceptor. — Colleagues, as we are about to return to our homes, and mingle again with friends and associates, to whom the work of our school is a secret, I admonish you to regulate your daily lives in conformity with our teachings. Honor your parents, respect your teachers, be faithful to your employers and kind to your associates. Above all, let your con- duct as Israelites be such as not to cause censure. Colleagues, remember: Duty, Knowledge and Faith. [While the Vice Preceptor repeats the motto, all present join him in giving the signs of the Auxiliary.] Preceptor. — Mentor, again invoke the favor of our Heavenly Father. Mentor. — O Lord, as Thou has been with us this hour in our deliberations and our common work, so mayst Thou grant us severally Thy assistance in the performance of our individual duties. Be with us in our daily walks of life, and sustain us in all good re- solutions. Give us health and strength to overcome — II — all obstacles that might stand in oiir path to honorable manhood. Amen. [ Or this Prayer may be read if desired.] O lyord, as at the opening of this I^odge we craved Thy blessing, so do we now, as we are about to separate, pray Thee for Thy guidance. Be with us in our daily life, sustain us in all good resolutions. Give us health and strength to conquer all obstacles that may stand in our path to honorable manhood. Amen. PrKCKpTor. — Levites, you will now collect the rituals, hymn books and paraphernalia, and place them upon the altar. [The I^evites attend to this duty and resume their stations.] PrKCKptor. — I now declare the I^odge closed. [Raps.] Inside Sentinel, you may now open the door and allow the colleagues to depart. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A CANDIDATE. The Preceptor, having been informed that a candidate is in waiting in the ante-room, instructs the Guide and Secretary to retire and take the following declaration from the candidate. GuiDK. — What is your name? What is your age ? Do you attend school ? If so, do you attend Grammar or High School? Are your parents living ? Do you live with them ? If not, with whom do you live ? What pursuit in life would you prefer to follow ? Have you ever been refused admission into an Aux- iliary Lodge ? If so, where ? Have you ever been a member of an Auxiliary Lodge before? If so, in what manner did you cease to be a member ? Date Signature of the Secretary Signature of the Candidate [The Guide and Secretary then return to the Lodge, where- upon the Secretary reads the answers as given by the candi- date, and if no objection is raised, the Preceptor instructs the Guide to again retire and introduce the candidate.] CEREMONY OF INTRODUCTION. Guide. — * * >k 'i Insidk Sentinel. — Who desires admission ? Guide. — The Guide with the candidate, Master , who seeks knowledge, and expects to find it in this assemblage of Jewish youths. Inside Sentinel to the Vice Preceptor. — The Guide with the candidate, Master , who seeks knowledge, and expects to find it in this assemblage. Vice Preceptor. — Admit them. [The Preceptor gives the signal to rise. The Guide escorts the candidate once around the room, during which an appropri- ate hymn may be sung or the organ played. He halts before the Vice Preceptor.] Vice Preceptor. — Guide, whom have you here ? Guide. — Master , a candidate, who seeks knowledge, and therefore desires to join us. Vice Preceptor. — Have you expressed a desire to join the Youths' Auxiliary of the Independent Order of B^nai B'rith? Candidate. — I have. Vice Preceptor. — Are you sincere in this desire ? Candidate. — I am. [The Preceptor gives the signal to be seated.] — 14 — VicK Preceptor. — Every youth seeking admission into the ranks of the Youths' Auxiliary, must render himself qualified by satisfactorily and voluntarily de- claring: First, his pride in the historical achieve- ments of our people; Second, his loyalty to Juda- ism; and Third, his willingness to obey the laws of the Auxiliary, as constituted by the Order of B'nai B'rith. In compliance with our laws, you will now be placed under the tuition of the Guide, who will instruct you in the principal teaching of Juda- ism, your duties as a Jew and the mission of the Aux- iliary. Study these things intelligently and diligently, and if thereafter you still desire to join us and remain firm in your purpose to support, promote and cham- pion those teachings, you may come again. We will then admit you into our school and confer upon you the rights of a colleague. With Moses' charge to Joshua: Chasak V Ametz. Be strong and of good courage, — strong in your convictions and courageous in defending them, do we dismiss you now, to wel- come you again at a future time. [The Preceptor gives the signal to rise.] [The Guide again escorts the candidate around the room in the direction leading to the door of the ante-room, during which the or^an may be played. The candidate is dismissed, the Preceptor gives the signal to be seated, and the lyodge proceeds with the regular Order of Business.] INITIATION. [The Guide reports that Master , who was duly introduced in this lyodge, is in waiting in the ante-room, pre- pared and ready for initiation.] Preceptor. — Guide, you will then retire and in- troduce the candidate. [During the absence of the Guide, the Levites place the para- phernalia in front of the Preceptor's desk, provide the col- leagues with copies of the hymn, and in every way see that the lodge-room is in order for initiation. The Mentor seats him- self to the right of the Preceptor, while the Vice Preceptor takes the seat to the left of the Chair.] [The Preceptor addresses the Lodge as follows:] Another Jewish youth is about to join us. Again will the lessons of our Ritual be rehearsed. I ad- monisb you to listen attentively to its precepts and take them to heart. Guide.— * * ^fc Inside Sentinel. — Who asks for admission ? Guide. — Master , wbo has been duly introduced into this school and properly instructed, and who now desires to be initiated and declared a colleague. Inside Guardian to the Preceptor. — Master , who has been duly introduced into this school and properly instructed, and who now desires to be initiated. — i6 — Preceptor. — Admit him. [The Preceptor gives the signal to rise.] [The Guide escorts the candidate twice around the room, during which an appropriate hymn may be sung or the organ played. He halts the candidate before the Preceptor.] Preceptor. — Whom have you in charge ? Guide. — Master , who has been duly introduced into this school and properly instructed, and who now desires to be initiated, provided his comprehension of the teachings of our religion, of his duties as a Jew and of the mission of the Auxiliary entitles him to this privilege. Preceptor. — Are you still earnest in this desire, and firm in your purpose to support, promote and de- fend the good cause for which the Auxiliary is in- stituted ? Candidate. — I am. [The Preceptor gives the signal to be seated.] Preceptor.— As we leave the years of childhood, and enter upon a more important period of life, we begin to realize that this world is something more than a play ground, and to perceive that it is a vast field where truth and fiction, wisdom and folly, good and evil present themselves to us; our success depending upon our own choice to accept the good and reject the evil. But mortal man, and especially when of imma- ture age, is too feeble to reject at all times evil in- — 17 — fluences and temptations; too weak to travel alone on the road of life without stumbling. We must look to the Sustainer of all for strength and for help. I^et us therefore bow in love and reverence to God, and offer words of praise and prayer. [The Preceptor gives the signal to rise. ] Mentor. — Father in heaven, we tremble in fear and doubt when we unfold the meaning of ''youth'' and realize the multitude of mighty influences which bear upon youth's period ! When we look out upon life, with all its changing seasons, its grave duties and its lurking temptations, we ask ourselves: '' How shall we cross safely the perilous seas of life which carry away many a careless sailor from the port of safety ?" But our doubts and fears are lulled by Thy paternal voice, which echoes and re-echoes in the soul within us, assuring us Thy guidance and protection, as we steer our course of noble manhood toward the glimpses of Thy light. We, therefore, like helpless children, reach out our feeble hands to Thee, O Father, praying for help and strength. We beseech Thee, direct our way to duty and virtue, inspire our hearts with faith and hope, and enlighten our minds with wisdom and truth. Preserve within us, O God, every earnest emotion now alive in our hearts and let this school of inexperienced youths grow and develop into a powerful, truth-promoting fraternity. Amen. — i8 — [The Preceptor gives the signal to be seated.] PrkckpTor. — Are you ready to make an open decla- ration to this school of your understanding of Judaism and your belief in its teachings; of what you under- stand by the mission of the Order of B'nai B'rith; and of your readiness to obey the laws of this school ? Candidate. — I am. PrKCKpTor. — Then you will please proceed. Candidate's Dkci.aration. [Recited from memory.] Judaism is the religion of unity and humanity, based upon the sacred scriptures and Jewish traditions. Its forms may change, — its essence never. Judaism teaches the existence of a God, who alone by His wis- dom created, and who alone sustains and governs, the universe in justice and in truth. God is One, eternal and wholly spiritual. Mortal man, with his limited knowledge, can only understand God's work, but never the ways of His working. Man can only know and feel that God exists, but never comprehend the nature of His existence. Judaism teaches the brotherhood of man. All men are created in the image of God. All mankind are common children of one Father. Each one must, therefore, try to promote the happiness of others by — 19 - participating in their joy and partaking of their sor- row. Judaism teaches the immortality of the souL The soul, which bears the stamp of God's image, never dies, but, after separation from the body, lives forever in that state of purity and glory prepared for it, and by it, during life. Judaism teaches responsibility of conduct. God has endowed man with freedom of will and choice of ac- tion. Man has the power to reject evil and accept good, and must, therefore, injustice, suffer the conse- quences of sin and enjoy the rewards of virtue. These are the Jewish teachings of God and immor- tality; of life and conduct. In these teachings I believe. I understand that the mission of the Order of B'nai B'rith is to promote the teachings of Judaism by pre- cept and example. I, therefore, unreservedly and earnestly declare my desire to be made a colleague, and pledge my assistance in so worthy and lofty a cause. PrKCKptor. — Your declaration is satisfactory. You will now take that important step which will initiate you into our lyodge. You will take upon yourself the following obligation: [The Preceptor gives the signal to rise, and instructs the col- league to place himself in the attitude of Faith.] 20 '* I, , do solemnly promise to observe the laws and regulations of the Youths' Auxiliary, as constituted by the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, and the rules of this I^odge or any other Lodge of the Youths' Auxiliary of which I may become a colleague. I will faithfully discharge the duties that may be assigned to me as a colleague of the Youths' Auxil- iary. I will support Judaism and strive to promote its teachings. I will endeavor to further the aims and advance the welfare of this Auxiliary to the best of my ability. I faithfully promise to keep secret all that I may see or hear within an Auxiliary Lodge. May God assist me in keeping my promise." [Preceptor gives the signal to be seated.] PrKCKptor. — In the name of this Lodge, I now confer upon you the title ' ' colleague. ' ' By this name, we hail and salute one another. The great cause to which we dedicate our efforts, unites us all as colleagues. With the zeal and devotion of a col- league, you will aid us in promoting the principles of Duty, Knowledge and Faith, which comprise all the teachings of Moses and the prophets, and upon which and for which this school is founded. [The candidate may now be seated. ] Mkntor. — ^Judaism is pure and simple and every rite and usage practiced by a body of Jews must have for its end such worthy purposes as tend to- 21 wards purifying the human heart and elevating the human soul. This ornamental crest is placed before you in order to make a lasting impression upon your mind of the principles of our school, which it so forcibly exempli- fies. The staff is a symbol of the duties which we owe to God and to man. Duty is the sovereign of all vir- tues and the foundation of success. Every duty faith- fully performed adds a golden thread to the fabric of our lives, woven in the loom of time; every duty reck- lessly neglected, leaves an irreparable blemish. Equipped only with the staff of duty, the patriarch Jacob left his parental home and returned with riches and fame. Armed with the staff of duty, and respon- sive to the voice of God and the cries of His people, Moses subdued the mighty power of Egypt and com- manded the rushing streams of the sea. Jewish history stands distinguished in the annals of mankind, because of its remarkable examples of the devotion of our fathers to Israel's mission. Our his- tory is one continuous record of heroism and martyr- dom at the post of duty. Therefore, friend, what- ever avocation you may follow in life, whatever your duties may be in the future, do not shrink from them, but stand courageously and cheerfully by them. Consecrate all your powers to the fulfillment of your duties to God, to your parents, to your fellow men, and to yourself. It will lead you to an honorable, dignified and exalted manhood. 22 The ark reminds us of the ark of the covenant in the sanctuary of the temple, containing the holy tablets. It symbolizes knowledge, which may be at- tained by the child of the poor as well as of the rich. Our sages say: an Am Ha' Areiz — ''An ignoramus cannot be pious." In order to know how to serve God, we must possess a knowledge of our sacred scriptures, of our wonderful history and of the indis- soluble covenant which links us to God. In order to be a loyal citizen we must know the history of our country, we must appreciate the blessings of freedom and understand the excellence of our gov- ernment. In order to be a useful and helpful member of society, we must learn that all the advantag;es of life which each one separately enjoys are the blessed result of organized society; that an individual when isolated from his neighbors is helpless and unsafe; and that selfishness means a sinful denial of the indebted- ness we owe to others. To be dutiful to our parents, we must realize that whatever we are is due to them, and should cultivate a high appreciation of the count- less sacrifices they have made for us. To be dutiful to ourselves we should learn that the steps upon which we ascend to any honorable station, are built of our own energies, well applied; our own faculties, well cultivated; our own powers, well directed. Therefore, friend, strive with all your might to gain the crown of knowledge. Not until Moses had placed his hand upon Joshua and filled him with the spirit of wivSdom, did he find him fit to assume the responsibility of a ~ 23 — leader. Likewise, not until you treasure all the valu- able lessons of home, of synagogue and of school, and carry them into your daily life, are you prepared to venture upon your own resources with hope of suc- cess. Endeavor, therefore, to fill the sacred ark of your heart with the tablets of knowledge, and adorn your mind with gems of wisdom. This mitre of the high priest, which was the most distinctive token of priestly rank, is symbolic of faith, of trust in God and of confidence in his justice and mercy. This blue band, bearing the inscription ''Holiness to the Lord", is emblematic of Heaven and its mysteries, inaccessible to mortal man, however wise he may be. Religious faith is that secrecy of the human soul which cannot be interpreted by rea- son, and that support of the human heart which can- not be supplanted by knowledge. As the streaming rays of the spring's sun infuse a new life into frown- ing nature and spread a smile upon her face, so dees the radiance of faith enkindle our affections and in- spire our energies. Faith rendered Abraham worthy of Heaven's cove- nant, made him father of God's chosen people, and brought his name down to all generations in reverence. Therefore, friend, above all cultivate unshaken faith in God, reliance upon His mercy and submission to His will, and your heart will always be guarded by God's spirit against the whisper of evil dreams. These are the three principles upon which this school is founded, and which as a member of the — 24 — Youths' Auxiliary, you pledge yourself to promote by applying them to your life and to your conduct. ViCK Preceptor. — My colleague, the password of the Auxiliary is " to work and to keep." These were the conditions upon which man was admitted into God's paradise on earth. He was admonished to observe these conditions, for upon their observance depended man's harvest of wholesome fruit from the life-producing tree of virtue. Now, my col- league, applying this Biblical lesson to ourselves, we must look upon this world as God's Paradise, abound- ing with brilliant opportunities for material success, spiritual elevation and intellectual attainments. But as we are about to reach out for these precious gifts, the divine voice within us admonishes us, '' Remem- ber those conditions" "to work and to keep." Kkkp and preserve in reverence the good lessons taught you in youth and the in- fluences which surrounded you in childhood. Next, Work; which means, that you extend the scope of 3^our knowledge, widen your sphere of usefulness and through proper spiritual and intellectual forces rise to loftier heights of moral and religious perfection. This is the divine voice which speaks to us all, and to which you as a Jewish youth and a colleague should pay proper heed. You are asked to join us in our efforts: First, to preserve in reverence the memory of Israel's past achievements. Second, to contribute towards a realization of our hopes for a future in which ''Iviberty" shall be the ruling spirit in every land. — 25 — ^* Peace" the motto of every nation, and "lyove" the watchword of every heart. Preceptor. — The signal for admission, which must be given outside of the door of the lyodge, is This signal must be given at the door of the lodge- room, and the password communicated to the Inner Sentinel, through the aperture in the door. In visiting a sister lyOdge, in addition to the signal of admission and the password, 3^our name, and that of the Lodge of which you are a colleague, must be given. This is the signal of salutation. On entering the lyodge or leaving it, you are re- quired to give to the Preceptor the sign of salutation This is to remind us of Duty, Knowledge and Faith, The signal of recognition, wherever you may meet a colleague, is given in this manner This is the signal for the brethren to rise. This is the signal for them to be seated. And this also calls the colleagues to order. Preceptor. — My colleague, the initiation is now ended, and nothing remains for you to do in order to become a member of this Lodge, except to step up to the Secretary's desk and attach your signature to our By-I