Exhibit

Better Together: Fraternal Organizations Dallas Jews Believe In

Fraternal organizations that shaped community and connection in Jewish Dallas.

fra·ter·ni·ty

/frəˈtərnədē/

A group of people sharing a common profession or interests
The state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group

Fraternal organizations have long been associated with men. However, the terms “fraternity” or “fraternal” expand to also encompass co-ed and female-oriented groups.

Highlighted in this display are a variety of organizations in which Dallas Jews have participated since the late 1800s. Through decades and generations, we see a common theme of involvement in organizations from childhood or adolescence through adulthood—from Girl or Boy Scouts, Young Judea, BBG/AZA, BBYO to B’nai B’rith Women (now Jewish Women’s International), Women’s ORT, Jonathan Club, Jewish War Veterans, TOO Club, Zionist Organization of America, or temple Brotherhoods and Sisterhoods—just to name a few examples.

Organizations such as the Freemasons and Shriners, were not commonly joined by Jews. In most places they weren’t allowed in, much like Catholics, for fear they would reveal secrets to their rabbis or priests. As this began to change, more Jews were invited. However, we see participation amongst Dallas Jews—often men who were involved in multiple organizations—which suggests membership was also used as a networking tool.

Each fraternal organization fosters a unifying belief, purpose, or mission—often community oriented. The individuals who join them may share beliefs, interests, or goals (personal and/or professional). These organizations (see also: orders, societies, clubs, groups, etc.) are intended as a means of support, encouragement and cooperation among members and their greater communities. Sometimes organizations have a basis in religion or spirituality, but many are secular and civic-minded, such as Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Altrusa and others.

Uniforms or other embellishments may be worn to identify members and solidify commonality. Prime examples include hats and aprons worn by the Freemasons and Shriners, pins worn in BBG, or military hats, regalia, and other insignia worn in Jewish War Veterans. Others present certificates, awards, or medals for achieving a particular rank or for work that supports the community.

Though participation in certain fraternal organizations waned in the latter half of the 20th century, involvement and unification is still very much at the forefront of Jewish life in Dallas.

If you know of, or participated in, any organization—still thriving or not—and can add to our collection, please visit or contact our office. It is through community participation that we are able to accurately share and preserve the history of Jewish Dallas.

A group of people in formal attire sit at a long banquet table in a decorated room, smiling for a photo. — Jonathan Club Dinner Party, c. 1955 – Sam Barshop Collection

A group of women in costumes pose indoors, some standing, some sitting, with one dressed as a bride in the center. — Too Club Ladies’ Mock Wedding, c. 1930 – Schackman Family Collection

Four women sit at a table with papers, jars, and posters on the front, with a mural in the background. — 25th Haddassah Jubilee – Laura Saffir Topletz Collection

Two men smile; one is in a dress and wig, the other wears a shirt with a large bow. The photo is black and white. — Shearith Israel Brotherhood Mock Wedding, undated – Utay Family Collection

Order of the Eastern Star

Created by Dr. Rob Morris, The Order of the Eastern Star was founded as a fraternity where female relatives, and relatives of Master Masons should benefit. “The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic-related fraternity of women and men dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. Although not a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God, and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and for self improvement” (Grand Chapter of Texas Order of the Eastern Star).

In 1867, the first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan. The Order of the Eastern Star currently has the Texas Grand Chapter located in Arlington with multiple Chapters located around the state. With chapters located around the world, The Order of The Eastern Star is the largest Fraternal Organization with men and women memberships.

Completed degree election notice for Mrs. Madelynn Schepps, with handwritten dates and meeting details, 1955. — The notice pictured above is part of the Madelyn Schepps Collection

Order of the Rainbow for Girls

The Order of the Rainbow for Girls was founded by Reverend William Mark Sexson in McAlester, Oklahoma in April of 1922. “Rev. W Mark Sexson sought to develop an organization where young women could build self-confidence, respect, and leadership skills, all while serving their community. The organization promotes community service, as well as love and service to their schools, their homes and to each other” (Grand Assembly of Texas International Order of Rainbow for Girls).

The order of the Rainbow for Girls was introduced in Texas April 6, 1922 by Mrs. Daisy Cushing. “It was through her efforts and the Masons and Eastern Stars of Texas that Rainbow was accepted and approval was given to the Assemblies in their sponsorship” (Grand Assembly of Texas International Order of Rainbow for Girls). The first Texas chapter was instituted in Sherman, on July 10, 1922.

Yellowed certificate notifying Madelyn E. Cohen of election for initiation in Dallas on April 20, 1949; handwritten details. — The notice and name tag pictured above are part of the Madelyn Schepps Collection

Young Judea

Created in 1909, the Young Judaea organization was made up of multiple Zionist clubs. “Young Judaea is America’s oldest Zionist youth movement, turning spirited Jewish youth of diverse backgrounds and orientations into engaged leaders and inspired activists with a life-long commitment to Israel, Jewish life and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Through immersive informal and experiential education, Young Judaea fosters a sense of value and love for Jewish tradition and ritual and pride in the Jewish people, Israel and being Jewish” (youngjudea.org).

Young Judaea promotes Jewish life and tradition with planned trips to Israel, summer camps, programs, activities, and conventions.

Blue event booklet and tan dance ticket for a conclave at Roosevelt Hotel, Waco, Texas, December 25-28. — The pamphlet cover and admission ticket pictured above are part of the Madelyn Schepps Collection. Below is a selection of pamphlets from the Zionist Organization of America Collection.

T.O.O. Club

The T.O.O. Club was a social and athletic club for Jewish men and women in Dallas as early as 1920. They got together as a group and with other social clubs to have watermelon parties or play baseball or basketball games. These groups also worked for the good and welfare of the community. The Fort Worth group consistently raised funds for the Star Telegram Free Milk and Ice Fund. According to the Jewish Monitor on September 9, 1921, there were 21 young Jewish men in the T.O.O. Club. The articles written about these groups in the Jewish Monitor are lighthearted and fun.

A group of people in vintage costumes pose indoors; some are standing, others are sitting on the floor, all smiling. — The photo above, from the Schackman Family Collection, is of a T.O.O. Club mock wedding, c. 1930.

Two people wave against an orange background with white text saying, “The most important summer of your life.”. — Zionist Organization of America Brochure, undated

Book cover titled “What is Zionism?” by Dr. Emanuel Neumann, on a beige and gray background. — Zionist Organization of America Brochure, undated

A flyer reads, “Zionism A Badge of Honor. Wear it With Pride! The Zionist Organization of America.”. — Zionist Organization of America Brochure, undated

Close-up of a vintage document explaining color codes for Masonic caps and proper cap etiquette. — Freemason Cap Explanation Card – Morton Rachofsky Family Collection

A red ceremonial hat with yellow stripes and an embroidered cross emblem at the front, placed on a dark surface. — Meyer Rachofsky’s Freemason Cap, 32nd degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor – Morton Rachofsky Family Collection

A black fez with “ZOROASTER” in gold letters, a red tassel, and a gold face pin with white horns. — Zoroaster Temple Fez – Jack David Boukanis Collection

A red fez hat with gold embroidery, a sword, crescent, star, and a tassel on a black cloth background. — Moila Temple Shriner Fez, St. Joseph, Missouri, undated – Jack David Boukanis Collection

A maroon fez with “HELLA AMBASSADOR” and jeweled designs, including an eye and a star, with a black tassel. — Contemporary Hella Temple Shriner Fez that belonged to Meyer Rachofsky – Morton Rachofsky Family Collection

A maroon fez hat with “HELLA” and gold embroidered symbols, including a star, scimitar, and face, plus a black tassel. — Hella Temple Shriner Fez that belonged to Meyer Rachofsky, undated – Morton Rachofsky Family Collection

A white Masonic apron with blue trim, featuring Masonic symbols, displayed on a dark fabric background. — Shriner’s Apron, undated – Jack David Boukanis Collection

Yellow ribbon with a round badge featuring a red cross and white emblem, placed on a black velvet background. — Inaugural Ribbon, 32nd degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor – Morton Rachofsky Family Collection

The Shriners

The first meeting of the Shriners happened in 1872 after a group of Masons from New York decided to create a new fraternity centered on fun and fellowship. According to the Shriners International web page history, their rituals and themes are based on a party given in France by an Arabian diplomat that was attended by a founding member. The Shriners circus and other fundraising events promote fun with a purpose, they support the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The crescent is two tiger claws held together by a keystone, the scimitar is connected in one of several ways either pushed through the keystone or attached by cable(s) or coiled rope. There is not an official style and there are differences from temple to temple. According to the Idiots Guide to Freemasonry by S Brent Morris there are more variations of the Shriner emblem than any other except the Mason square and compass. The Idiots Guide also references “The Golden Age of Fraternalism” from about 1870 to about 1920 and suggests that the Arabian theme of the Shriners was a way to poke fun at the formal dress and ritual of many other fraternal organizations including the Masons. It also suggests that the anti-Mason movements of the early 1800s helped to create the Golden Age by laying bare the Masons’ secrets which many copied both in ritual and emblem (p. 261, 264, 270 Google Books).

Some Shriners’ fezzes bear the name of the shrine with which the wearer is associated. For instance, “Hella” is the temple in Garland, TX, while “Moila” is a Shriner temple in St. Joseph, MO. Interestingly, “Zoroaster,” embroidered into a fez belonging to Jack David Boukanis, has never been a temple within the Shriners International Organization and likely denotes an unofficial local organization in Missouri or Oregon when Boukanis had lived prior to North Texas.

Overall, Jewish participation in groups such as the Shriners or the Freemasons was, and still is, uncommon. In Dallas, we have seen participation by Jewish businessmen in the early to mid-twentieth century—likely as a way to network. However, despite the amount of information available to the public and researchers today, there is still much that alludes under a shroud of secrecy.

A diploma certificate with ornate borders, a seal, and text awarding a degree to Jake David Bookans. — The Shriner’s Certificate pictured above is from the Jack David Boukanis Collection.

Many organizations publish a yearbook or directory to commemorate the previous year or to provide members with vital information for a defined period of time. Below you will find a selection of yearbooks from a variety of Dallas Jewish organizations including Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, and BBYO.