CARDINAL AND MENORAH PLEDGE PRINCIPLES
The Cardinal Principles of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and the Menorah Pledge Principles of the B'nai B'rith Girls are how Alephs and BBGs have carried themselves since 1924. These principles have shaped our legislation, priorities, programming, and so much more throughout the decades. All members are held to these guiding values in hopes of creating a better world.
"What we have accomplished in the past is a record of unswerving loyalty and devotion to these principles. What we hope to achieve in years to come will likewise be measured by the extent to which we adhere to those principles." —Sam Beber, Founder of AZA
Loyalty to my homeland, to its laws, to its principles, to its ethics. To die for it if need be, but primarily to live for it.
Always to observe the tenets of my faith; ever to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord my
God.
Ever to honor and love my parents. To be considerate of my elders and to respect age.
To give of myself and my substance for all worthy causes; to be kind and generous to all in need, regardless of race or creed.
Never too bold, never too forward, ever humble, ever observing the principles of gentlemen.
To keep my soul pure, my mind active, and my body healthy.
A spirit of sociability, of cooperation, and of friendship toward all Alephs that shall make of us one fellowship; a love of and a loyalty to AZA and its ideals.
We recognize our responsibility to render selfless service as citizens of the community in which we live.
We shall always be concerned with the underprivileged and the distressed. We shall offer our help to those in need, recognizing that the ability to help others is a blessing and a responsibility.
We shall try to exemplify in our home the finest of Jewish family traditions.
We pledge our devotion to our beloved country whose blessing we shall never take for granted. We shall guard zealously our democratic rights and shall fulfill our duties as citizens.
We represent one of the faiths that make up the diverse patterns of the religious world. We shall learn to understand and respect our neighbor. We shall so live as individuals and groups that we may reflect credit upon the Jewish people.
We make possible the warmth and joy of good sisterhood through our association in Chapters. We shall respect the rights of each member. We shall make our Chapter a true example of democratic living so that companionship and friendship may endure.
We have a magnificent Jewish heritage, which has enriched the civilization of every land. We shall aim to become imbued with an understanding and a love of our Jewish culture so that we may be a conscious part of the people from whom we stem. We shall always strive to live up to the ideals, which are the essence of Jewish religious faith.
Lighting the candles is a privilege we engage in that displays the freedom we, as B’nai B’rith Girls, and as Jews are able to exhibit. However, there are Jews in our world who are not allowed to observe Judaism freely. Oppressed Jewry is a major concern in our society. The light that is burning so brightly is the light of hope. We hope that one day all oppressed Jews will be able to practice Judaism as freely as we are doing here today.
