About Us

The Kappa Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau has a rich tradition of excellence at Cornell University. As one of ZBT's oldest and strongest chapters, Kappa Chapter has initiated more than 1,500 men into the Brotherhood since its founding more than 100 years ago. Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was founded in 1898 in New York City and is now the world's oldest and largest Jewish fraternity. For more than 50 years, Zeta Beta Tau has been a non-sectarian Brotherhood of Equals, and for more than 25 years ZBT has been a pioneer in the fight against hazing, having abolished all two-tier membership statuses and pledging practices in 1989. ZBT is represented on nearly 90 campuses across North America and has initiated more than 130,000 brothers. Over the years Kappa Chapter has figured prominently in the history of ZBT. The most recent past and current International Presidents of the Fraternity are both brothers of Kappa Chapter, and many other Cornelians have served the Fraternity in capacities large and small. Historically, the Kappa Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau has resided on one of the most beautiful pieces of land in the Ithaca area, 1 Edgecliff Place on North Campus. The view from the house includes the largest gorge in the region as well as a panorama of downtown Ithaca and Cayuga Lakes.