By Steven Viera || Senior Editor
The world’s oldest and largest Jewish fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) is in the process of recolonizing at F&M and is working with students, faculty, staff, and alumni in order to establish a presence on campus.
The relationship between ZBT and F&M stretches back to the founding of the Alpha Tau Chapter at the College in 1931; before it became defunct in the 1980s, the chapter initiated over 850 brothers. In 2015, F&M approved ZBT’s recolonization, while recruitment of students has been ongoing since the start of the Spring 2016
semester.
“Most fraternities start new groups as a colony, and ZBT is no exception,” said Laurence Bolotin, executive director of ZBT. “This colony will follow a plan that will ensure chartering within two years.”
While ZBT already has a few founding brothers on campus, Bolotin pointed out that bids are still in the process of being extended, and he noted that Initiation is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 18.
“ZBT staff have made connections with all aspects of the College, including obtaining recommendations from faculty, staff, sorority leaders, alumni, and student organizations,” he said. “In addition, as an inclusive Jewish fraternity, ZBT has been working very closely with Hillel in identifying students who are passionate about our mission and values. In all cases, we seek students who understand that they are joining a brotherhood for a lifetime and willing to create a positive legacy on campus and in the
community.”
Furthermore, according to Bolotin, ZBT is also working with F&M’s administration. “[We] have found everyone we’ve worked with
to be completely supportive,” he said.
Additionally, Rush Week—the period where F&M’s fraternities are able offer bids of membership—begins next week. ZBT, alongside the five other social fraternities on campus, will participate in an attempt to recruit additional new members to their
colony.
Senior Steven Viera is the Senior Editor. His email is sviera@fandm.edu.