Rebecca Shapiro Thesis (11 May 2011).pdf - Brandeis Institutional ...

Despite the dismal state of things during the Depression, certain fraternity eventscontinued unabated. ZBT maintained its parties and festive conventions. To many, theseparties had a purpose greater than entertainment; they were used for Jewish purposes, toensure a Jewish future. Many young men and women attended these parties in hopes offinding a mate of equal looks, connections, and wealth. Perhaps the universal dream ofthe classical Jewish mother, in ZBT, the invitation list or "date list" was drawn frommembers of the community pre-selected as meeting the minimum standards ofappearance, dress, family background, intelligence and religion. Men were attracted toconventions by the prospect of dancing with a Jewish woman meeting his criteria. Mencould fill out forms verifying the type of woman in whom they were interested. Theforms asked about ideal height, hair color, and age. 110Mothers of eligible femaleattendees helped daughters travel long distances to attend such parties in hope of findinga Jewish husband.ZBT further aided the young romances by providing services such as distributionof names and phone numbers of women that Zeebs could call, or helping find a judge, atthe last minute, to marry a couple. 111 The absence of a Rabbi officiating at the weddingreflects the fact that although the members were concerned about Jewish endogamy,Jewish ritual served as a lesser concern. ZBT chapters also often hosted regular dinnersfor the female relatives of members. These dinner parties served as a comfortable wayfor Zeebs to meet eligible women. 112 ZBT proudly posted all marriage announcements ofJewish couples in their publication, particularly when a Zeeb married the sister of anotherfraternity brother.110 Sanua, Here's To Our Fraternity, 52111 Sanua, Here's To Our Fraternity, 101112 Sanua, Here's To Our Fraternity, 11029