Hebrew Order of David
Initiation Ritual for the First Degree

South Africa, 1976

Opening Ceremony

All Officers must wear their regalia and be seated in their rightful positions. All Worthy Brethren and Brethren are to be seated within the Lodge Temple with their heads covered, before the Lodge is formally opened.
The President, Immediate Past President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and both Presidential Marshalls of the Lodge await formal admission into the Lodge outside the Tyle.
The Master of Ceremonies shall position himself inside the Temple to the right of, and near the Tyle.
The Master of Ceremonies calls upon all Brethren within the Temple to be upstanding (not at the Fidelity Salute) to receive the President and bis Officers into the Temple.
The Inside Guardian admits the Officers.
The President and bis Officers shall enter the Lodge with dignity and without undue haste.
Both Presidential Marshalls shall lead the entry into the Temple and simultaneously, the Right Marshall passing on the left and the Left Marshall passing on the right of the Saluting Base, take up their positions, and stand facing the Saluting Base.
The Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer enter the Temple, about three paces behind the Marshalls, approach and stand behind the Saluting Base. The Vice-President is flanked by the Secretary on his left and by the Treasurer on his right.
The Immediate Past President, President follow about three paces to the rear of the Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The President on entering the Temple is immediately joined by the Master of Ceremonies and all three proceed through the body of the Lodge, past the Saluting Base.
The President ascends the Presidential Rostrum. The Immediate Past President takes up his position on his right side. The Master of Ceremonies positions himself to the left of the President.
Once the President is seated at his Rostrum, the Officers standing at the Saluting Base bow slightly in the direction of the President. The Vice-President then about faces and proceeds to his Rostrum, and the Secretary and Treasurer take up their positions in the Lodge.
The President gives one clear knock.
All Brethren come to the Fidelity Salute.
Master of Ceremonies: Brethren.... To Order!
President: Brethren... assist me to open the Lodge.
Bro. Vice-President what is our first care?
Vice-President: Bro. President, our first care is to see that the Lodge is properly Tyled.
President: Bro. Inside-Guardian ensure that the Lodge is properly Tyled.
Inside Guardian: Bro. President the Lodge is properly Tyled.
President: Bro. Vice-President, what is our next care?
Vice-President: Bro. President our next care is to see that none but duly initiated Brethren are present.
President: Brother Secretary, can you vouch that only initiated Brethren are present'?
Sec.: To the best of my knowledge and belief only duly initiated Brethren are present.
President: Bro. Vice-President, with what objects do we meet together?
Vice-President: Bro. President, we meet together to promote PEACE and HARMONY amongst our Brethren and Klal Yisrael and to further GOODWILL amongst Mankind.
President: Bro. Vice-President, how do we hope to achieve these ideals?
Vice-President: Bro. President and Brethren, we strive to encourage our Brethren to further their Knowledge and Understanding of the Precepts and Traditions of Judaism and to maintain the Principles on which our Noble Order is founded,
namely
Achdut ------------------- Unity
Achvah ------------------- Fraternity
Ahavah ------------------- Love, and
Shalom which is Peace
The Preceptor then proceeds to the Saluting Base, stands at the Fidelity Salute faces the President, and then whilst saluting him delivers the "SALUTING CHARGE":
Preceptor: Bro. President ... I salute you, Bro. President, as an expression of Discipline and Respect. My mind … and my heart ... are associated with those of my Brethren in our endeavours on behalf of the Hebrew Order of David.
This Salute ... symbolises and acknowledges our responsibilities towards each other, and our acceptance of our Obligations towards this Lodge and the Order.
The Preceptor remains behind the Saluting Base facing the President, standing at "Fidelity".
President: Brethren, what are the signs as practised in our Ritual?
Brethren give the Signs.
President: Bro. Preceptor, what do these signs symbolise?
Preceptor: The Sign of REFLECTION teaches (AT FIDELITY) us to reflect justly before G-d and Man, and the Sign of SILENCE recalls our Obligation of LOYALTY to the Order.
The Preceptor gives a slight bow to the President, steps around the Saluting Base, salutes the Vice-President and returns to his place.
President: In declaring this Lodge Open I kindle these lights as a symbol of the Light we desire to see reflecting the Rays of true Fraternity over Israel and all Mankind.
Vice-President: In support of this great ideal I likewise kindle these lights.
President: Bro. Chaplain, please recite the Opening Prayer.
The Chaplain approaches and stands behind the Candle of Remembrance.
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Our Father in Heaven, favour us with knowledge and understanding that we may be aided in the promotion of Love, Brotherhood, Peace and Friendship ... Grant us Strength and Wisdom to practice Thy Commandment: "A 'Havta Le'Rei'Acha Ka-Mocha"
And Thou shalt Love Thy Neighbour as Thyself.
Make us worthy, O Lord, to be of service to our fellow men in this world in which we live, and in all things to do Thy Will.
The lights are dimmed and the Chaplain lights the Candle of Remembrance.
I kindle this flame as a token of remembrance of those Brethren of the Hebrew Order of David who have been gathered unto Thy side ... their memory, will be revered and cherished in our hearts for all time ...
O Lord, this Flame of Dedication is a constant reminder to us of the Martyrs of our people who perished in the Holocaust of Europe.
After the long agony of our dispersion over two thousand years the exiles are being gathered together. In this Light we as Brethren of the Hebrew Order of David, pay homage to our Sons of Israel who made the supreme sacrifice, so that we, Thy people Israel through Thy Divine intervention, may live, once again, in freedom in our own Land.
Amen.
Full Lighting is now restored.
The Chaplain now resumes his place.
President: All formalities having been observed I now declare this Lodge properly constituted for the transaction of its business.
Brethren, please be seated.
Bro. Secretary, please read the minutes of our previous Lodge meeting.
The Secretary reads the minutes.
President - Marshall: Bro ... Please collect and hand me the Minute Book.
Brethren, are there any omissions or corrections that must be made to the Minutes?... pause.
Bro. Vice-President and Brethren, you have heard the Minutes of our previous meeting. Will Brethren who were present at that meeting propose, and another second, that they be confirmed as being in order?
One Brother proposes and another seconds this motion. The proposer and seconder must be upstanding at the Fidelity Salute.
President: Brethren, if you are now in agreement, please signify in the usual manner.
Brethren do so by raising their hands.
President: Brethren, are there any matters arising out of these minutes?
If necessary, discussion of the minutes takes place. The President signs the minutes and then instructs a Marshall to return the minute book to the Secretary. The Marshall then resumes his seat.
Visiting delegations and late comers are then admitted into the Lodge.
The President then welcomes all Delegations, Dignitaries and Visitors who are already seated.
President: Bro. Registrar, how many Brethren are present and have they all signed the Register?
Registrar: Bro. President ... (number of) Brethren are present and they have all signed the Register.
The Secretary records this information.
 
 
Initiation Ceremony

Prologue
1. The names of all candidates must have appeared on the G.L.1 form for at least 60 days prior to the date of Initiation.
2. The Grand Secretary must have advised the Secretary of the Lodge that no objections have been lodged against the admission of the candidate.
3. Proposition fees and subscriptions for the first year must have been paid by the candidate.
4. The name(s) of the candidate(s) shall have been circulated on the Lodge Newsletter (Agenda) advising the Brethren that they are to be initiated at the forthcoming meeting.
5. The Secretary shall have requested the Grand Lodge to prepare a certificate of Membership and badge for each candidate.
6. The Preceptor shall have instructed the Brethren who are to participate in the Initiation Ceremony.
7. The Proposer and Seconder shall have been requested to be present at the Initiation Ceremony.
8. The Obligation Book shall have been signed by the candidate(s).
9. Optional Charges.
Care should be exercised not to make the Initiation Ceremony too long, therefore the Charge of the Menorah, The Saluting Base, Charity, The Charge of Decorum are optional charges and should be alternated from one Initiation Ceremony to the next.
A long drawn out Ceremony can only detract from its dignity.
10. The Certificate of Membership may be handed to the candidate after the Candle Lighting Ceremony.
This is at the discretion of the Lodge itself.
 
 
Ceremony in the First Degree for Initiation of Candidates to the Hebrew Order of David
 
Note:
All the requirements set out in the prologue herewith, shall have been complied with.
The Lodge is called to order.
P.- Sec.: Bro. Secretary, are there any recommendations for initiation of new candidates to this Lodge. If so, have all formalities been complied with!
Sec.- P.: Bro. President, there are ... candidates for initiation. All formalities have been complied with.
The name, occupation, date of birth of each candidate are read together with the names of each Proposer and Seconder of each candidate.
P.- M.C.: Bro. M.C. will you retire from the Lodge and prepare the candidate(s).
M.C.- P.: Bro. President, may I call upon two Marshalls to assist me?
P.- M.C.: You have my permission to do so.
M.C. and Marshalls salute and retire.
Candidates are blindfolded outside Tyle and briefed regarding answers to questions to be put to them.
M.C. gives three knocks on the Tyle. The lights are dimmed in the Lodge Roopm.
I.G. - P.: Bro. President, there is a report at the Tyle.
P.- I.G.: Bro. Inside Guardian, please ascertain the cause of the report.
The Inside Guardian investigates.
I.G. - P.: Bro. President, outside the Tyle awaits Bro. Master of Ceremonies and two Marshalls together with ... candidate(s) who seek admission to this Lodge for the purpose of their Initiation into our Noble Order.
P.- I.G.: Please admit them under the direction of the Master of Ceremonies.
The Marshalls lead the Candidate(s) in to the Lodge Temple accompanied by the Master of Ceremonies and pause just inside the Tyle.
M.C.- P.: Bro. President, Mr. ..., Mr. ..., Mr. ..., and Mr. ... have been proposed and seconded in Open Lodge and are now entitled to seek admission for Initiation into our Noble Order.
P.- M.C.: Bro. Master of Ceremonies, please present the Candidate(s) to our Bro. Vice-President.
M.C. leads candidate(s) around the Saluting Base to the Vice-President.
M.C.- V.P.: Bro. Vice-President, I wish to introduce to you Mr. ..., Mr. ..., and Mr. ..., Candidate(s) in a state of darkness who have been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed and seconded in Open Lodge, investigated, and who now come forward of their own free will and accord requesting to be admitted into the Fraternity of the Hebrew Order of David.
V.P. - Cand.: Sir/Gentleman, you have presented yourself/yourselves for Initiation into our Noble Order and it is my duty to explain briefly to you its objects and principles. But before doing so, it is requested that you answer the following questions.
1. Is it of your own free will that you present yourself/yourselves as a candidate?
2. Are you married or single?
3. To married candidate(s): Are you married in accordance with the Jewish Faith?
4. To unmarried candidate(s): Should you marry, is it your intention to marry in accordance with Jewish Faith?
5. To all candidates: Are you prepared to assist in relieving the suffering and distress
wherever it may be?
Candidates reply: Yes.
V.P.'s charge to Candidate(s): I accept the answers you have given. It is pleasing to hear that you have realised the necessity for maintaining our continued existence as a People and that in order to do so successfully we must uphold our Jewish identity. One of the tragic causes of the loss of Jewish identity has been marriage out of the Jewish Faith. History teaches us that large numbers of our people have been lost to Judaism in this way. Therefore this Order has established that among the conditions for admission to our Brotherhood, is, that every candidate who present s himself, must, if married have been married in accordance with the Jewish Faith, and, if unmarried undertakes that he will faithfully do so.
It is also necessary that you present yourself voluntarily; influenced only by the desire to be more closely associated with an Order which has for its aims the relief of human suffering, and by a desire to help in that work, and, that you are not induced by feelings of idle curiosity or by the mere persuasion of friends.
You have given the requisite undertakings, and are now qualified to be a Brother/Brethren amongst us.
V.P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, will you please conduct the candidate(s) to Bro. President so that he may proceed with the Initiation Ceremony.
The Master of Ceremonies leads the initiates slowly towards the President and when he reaches that position, the Vice-President hammers the gavel once, and says:
V.P.- Pres.: Bro. President, I present to you Mr. ..., Mr. ..., and Mr. ..., a candidate(s) for initiation.
P.- V.P.: Bro. Vice-President, your presentation will be attended to.
P.- Cand.: I shall now proceed with your initiation as a member of the Hebrew Order of David. In the course of your initiations you will participate in certain ceremonies and you will also be entrusted with certain secrets. An Obligation is therefore required of you. This obligation in no way conflicts with religious or moral principles. Gentlemen, are you ready and willing to take such obligation?
Candidate(s) reply: I / We am / are
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, please place the candidate(s) right hand(s) across his/their heart(s).
President: Brethren, To Order!
P.- Cand.: Gentleman/Gentlemen, you will now repeat after me the words of the Obligation,
substituting your name for mine.
 
 
Obligation

I, ..., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of this Worthy Lodge of Brethren of the Hebrew Order of David, regularly assembled do hereby solemnly and sincerely promise that I
will acknowledge and never reveal any of the signs, tokens, passwords or any deliberations and resolutions given and taken in Open Lodge to anyone unless it be to him or them who are justly entitled to receive them from me or in the body of a regularly constituted Lodge under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Southern Africa.
I will obey the Constitution of the Hebrew Order of David and the by-laws of this, the … Lodge which I will always acknowledge as my Mother Lodge.
I will not willingly harm a Brother or permit others to do so if in my power to prevent it.
I promise to assist the Order to the best of my ability in its work of relieving distress amongst Brethren, their dependants or fellow citizens. In any major dispute between me and any Brother or Lodge of the Order, I shall submit to the arbitration of Grand Lodge, whose decision I will accept as final and binding.
For unmarried men only: I undertake to marry in accordance with the Jewish Faith and should I marry out of the Jewish Faith, I shall forwith cease to be a member of the Hebrew Order of David.
All candidates repeat together: These undertakings I solemnly promise to observe without any reservations whatsoever, under no less a penalty on the violation of any of them than that of being erased from membership and of being excluded from this Worthy Lodge and this Noble Order.
President: Will the initiates remain up standing and will all other Brethren please be seated.
P.- Cand.: You have been kept in a state of darkness. What is now your predominant wish?
Cand. (M.C. prompts): To see light.
President: Let the blessing of G-d's light be restored to the candidate(s).
GAVEL.
P.- Cand.: I accept you as a Brother/Brethren amongst us, and as a sign of the confidence this Lodge has in you, I will explain the reason for your having been blindfolded.
Your entry into this Lodge in that condition was symbolical of the darkness under which you have been undoubtedly laboured in regard to the beneficent activities of our Brotherhood for Jewry in Southern Africa and the good which, with your assistance and support we hope to continue.
For as out of the darkness dawns the light to brighten the ideals with which we are imbued, so are we confident that YOU will practice with us those virtues which will raise our Fraternity to the highest peak of Brotherhood. Now that you have taken the obligation, as a token of our trust in you, I shall, in the name of our Brethren both present and absent, and in the presence of this worthy gathering in Open Lodge, give you the signs of our Order, by which members recognise each other and which help to bind us in a brotherly band.
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, will you place the candidate(s) in a suitable position to enable the ceremony to continue.
Master of Ceremonies does so.
President: Brother, ... will you please come forward and impart the first sign of our Order to the candidate(s).
 
 
"REFLECTION"
 
The Brother honoured with this Charge bows slightly to the President, faces the Initiates,
and says:
The first sign of the Order is given thus: Place the forefinger of your right hand against your temple. (Gentlemen, please copy me.) The meaning of this sign is REFLECTION. Reflect that we all have our origins in a common ancestry. Reflect that we share the same hopes and aspirations, and although there are men of eminence and wealth amongst us, unfortunately there are Brethren in our Order who, in times of stress and trouble may require material support. Remember that our Order was founded for the purpose not only of giving such material help, but also of rendering the comfort, encouragement, understanding and sympathy which bind our Brethren together in love and harmony.
Reflection teaches us to discipline our lives and conduct, and, to act justly and uprightly before G-d and Man. Reflect on the solemn promise you made to the Order and to your Brethren, never to harbour a grievance or animosity against a Brother, but try to always adjust our differences, and to meet both outside as well as within the Lodge, in that spirit of harmony befitting the Brethren of this Order.
To soothe the unhappy, sympathise in their misfortune and alleviate their miseries, must be our constant care.
We give this, our first sign, as a solemn Charge to you to practise the virtues which it signifies.
Brother/Brethren, please repeat with me, once again, the sign of REFLECTION.
The Brother entrusted with the Charge turns to the President, gives a slight bow and returns to his seat.
President: Brother, ... will you please demonstrate the second sign of the Order.

 
"SILENCE"
 
The Brother honoured with the presentation of this Charge bows slightly to the President, faces the Initiates and says: Brethren, we have a further sign and it is given thus... Place the first two fingers and thumb of your right hand against your lips in this manner. Please copy me.
The second sign of the Order signifies SILENCE.
Silence, is at most times a great virtue, the tongue being more destructive than a deadly weapon, if used slanderously. Therefore, I charge you by this sign never to speak ill of a Brother, and if unfortunately you cannot speak well of him, then be silent. Let your conduct towards a Brother be guided by noble sentiments and an untainted heart… such is the true object of our Noble Order.
There are times when the precept of Silence places a great responsibility and obligation upon us. But there may be times when this precept of Silence must be broken and our voices must be raised in protest when injustices or harm would befall a Brother if we remain Silent instead of speaking up for him.
Silence also teaches us the loftiness of our ideals. Rather, it is by our personal conduct and positive actions, and at times even sacrifice that we are called upon to fulfil the noble precepts for which our Order has been created.
The sign of Silence also reminds us of our pledge – not to reveal any of our confidences or to utter anything which may in any way injure the Lodge or any of our Brethren.
Please repeat the sign of Silence with me.
The Brother who has imparted this Charge turns towards the President gives a slight bow and returns to his seat.
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, will you please deliver the Charge of Decorum.
 
 
"DECORUM"
 
M.C.: Initiate Brother/Brethren, here before you, you see the Baton of the Master of Ceremonies which is the Symbol of Decorum.
Our Order differs from other societies in that, we are selective in our choice of members. Our meetings differ from those of other institutions. Today a Brother is encouraged to express his opinions freely- and fearlessly, but whatever he has to say must always be with moderation of language and the avoid of giving hurt to anyone.
By showing due respect to the President, and to the other Officers charged with the duty of maintaining order and decorum of the Lodge, you bring dignity to your Lodge. Always conduct yourself with a quiet dignity and discipline, and remember to be punctual for meetings.
If these admonishments are taken to heart, they will help promote the smooth working of Lodge meetings, and by your conduct you will learn to act in accordance with the dignity befitting a member of our Order.
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, will you now please impart the Password to the initiates and then demonstrate the Grip of the Order.
M.C.- Initiate(s): Only on this occasion, and by command of the President will the Password be given to you by me. On all other occasions, only the President is entitled to communicate the password. I must stress that in order to guard it, this word is changed periodically. The current password is ... which means ....
A Brother cannot gain entry into a Lodge unless he is in possession of the current password.
I shall now demonstrate the GRIP of the Order.
By this Grip, Brethren are afforded a further means of identification. You will observe that the grip constitutes a form of interlinking, the significance of which is, that with this Grip we symbolise the evergrowing chain in aur Fraternity. The Grip links and helps us to bind that spirit of unity and brotherhood which we constantly strive to strengthen.
After the Grip and Password has been demonstrated and given, the Charge of Saluting Base is then delivered.
President: Brother ..., will you please come forward and explain to the Initiates the symbolism of the Saluting Base.
 
 
"SALUTING BASE"
 
My newly initiated Brother/Brethren.
It is now my pleasant duty to explain to you the symbolism which lies behind the design, the construction, indeed the presentation, of this, our Saluting Base: The very foundation upon which this Base rests, is a square denoting that we of the Hebrew Order of David stand four square and united at each rising step, against ASSIMILATION, against INJUSTICE, against INTOLERANCE, and against OPRESSION and ANTISEMITISM.
Here we see the representation of an ETROG: an Etrog being that remarkable fruit which has the unique feature in that it never leaves the tree upon which it grows, unless plucked but - rather, chooses to remain upon the branch from which it draws its nourishment, constantly re-generating itself! May you too, my Brother/Brethren with this wonderful example before you, never choose to leave the Lodge, but by your constant interest re-generate a new Idealism, a new re-vitalising enthusiasm for the Order.
Above the Etrog is an ACORN, reminding us that from this small seed springs the might Oak – a Tree of Strength and endurance, so encouraging us to develop and to build this relatively small Organisation the Hebrew Order of David, into a mighty. Jewish Brotherhood.
Next you see a COLUMN, a PILLAR, and even as this Pillar forms an integral part of this Saluting Base, an integral part of the whole – as it were, so may you too – by the constant practise of our Ideals, become a Pillar of Strength, not only in the (Name of Lodge) Lodge but to the Hebrew Order of David.
Resting lightly upon the top of the Pillar is a sphere representing the World. This is symbolic of the Dispersal of Jewry over the surface of the Globe and is a constant reminder to us of our duty to help re-unite, and rehabilitate those who require our assistance. I want you to remember my Brother/Brethren that no matter where we may find ourselves ... we are pledged to uphold the Traditions of our People and the Principles of the He brew Order of David.
Having reached almost the top of our Saluting Base, we see a FLAGON or pitcher, symbolically filled with the very essence of Love and Wisdom. This symbolizes the principle of Service to the Order and it is axiomatic that if nothing good is put into it... THEN nothing good can flow from it. It is the earnest wish of each and every Brother here tonight that you shall derive much pleasure in the doing of good deeds and that in the doing thereof you will be entitled to your share of happiness and joy!
Crowning all is a SUNDIAL which embodies the Magen David – Ageless symbol of people engaged in an eternal struggle for recognition and peace. Time will ultimately prove that the teachings of the Hebrew Order of David shall have been of the utmost benefit to Mankind, so may time also prove that your efforts have been of great benefit to the Order in general.
Finally, my Brother/Brethren may I explain, that even as these Symbols may equally well be applied to the different and progressive stages of Man's life, so may YOUR ultimate reward be measured, both in terms of your relationship towards your fellow man, and your acceptance of the dictum - that, YOU ARE YOUR BROTHER'S KEEPER!
The Brother gives a slight bow and returns to his seat.
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, please demonstrate the Salutes to the lnitiate(s).
The Master of Ceremonies does so, explaining at the same time that this Salute is known as the Fidelity Salute and is not only a mark of respect to the authority vested in the President, but upholds the dignity of the Lodge.
P.- M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, please demonstrate the method of entry into, and departure from the Lodge.
M.C.-Initiate(s): Brother/Brethren, it is the duty of every Brother on entering the Lodge to salute the President and Vice-President before being seated. The same procedure must be followed on retiring from the Lodge room.
The correct procedure of entering or leaving the Lodge is as follows:
The Master of Ceremonies demonstrates and simultaneously explains:
It is to be noted that the Salute is reciprocated by both the President and Vice-President who use their gavel to do so.
The Brother concerned then either leaves the Lodge or takes his seat as is his intention.
M.C.- Initiate(s): Brother/Brethren, will you please repeat the Salute, taking your example from me.
Master of Ceremonies demonstrates then he says to the Initiate(s):
M.C.: Brother/Brethren, we will now retire from the Lodge, and before doing so, we will salute Bro. President and Bro. Vice-President in the prescribed manner.
The Master of Ceremonies, accompanied by the Initiate(s), approaches and stands behind the Saluting Base, first salutes the President and then the Vice-President and retires from the Lodge.
The Master of Ceremonies knocks outside the Tyle.
Each Initiate knocks on the Tyle and after giving the password, is announced and at the command of the President is admitted by the Inside Guardian.
He proceeds to the Saluting Base, salutes first the President and then the Vice-President.
He is then seated among the Brethren of the Lodge by the Preceptor who has positioned himself at the Saluting Base in order to be of assistance, if necessary.
After all the Initiates have been received into the Lodge, the Master of Ceremonies is admitted with formality and awaits the further commands of the President.
NOTE:
If so desired by the individual Lodge, the Emblem may be presented either at the Initiation Ceremony or after the Lighting of the 7th Candle.
 
 
Ceremony for the Explanation and Presentation of the Emblem
 
President: Bro. Master of Ceremonies, will you now please place our new Brother/Brethren in a suitable position for the explanation and presentation to them of the Emblem of our Order, and call upon Bro. ... to perform this duty.
M.C.: Bro. ..., you have heard the command of the Bro. President.
The Brother comes forward, gives a slight bow to the President and addresses the Initiates.
Bro.: ... you have been admitted in to membership of the Hebrew Order of David and have taken the Obligation to be Brother/Brethren amongst us. It is therefore fitting that you should receive an Emblem symbolic of our Fraternity, its Aims and its Objects.
This Emblem portrays the entrance to a great Temple, the Hebrew Order of David, whose name is proudly emblazoned above its portals. We call our Order the Hebrew Order of David, after David, poet, soldier, statesman, king, the first king to reign over a united Israel, the Israel that reached great heights of Philosophy, Science, Administration and Learning.
It is my privilege and honour, tonight, to explain to you the principles of our objects which are embodied in the Emblem.
Firstly, ACHDUT (UNITY): Unity is the foundation upon which one great pillar of our Order is built. Ever since the destruction of our Temple in the 70th year of the Common Era, we Jews have been scattered over the surface of the Globe. Indignities have been heaped upon us, atrocities have been perpetrated against us, and we are constantly confronted with anti-Semitism everywhere. SEPARATELY we cannot fight its flames, but UNITED we can and must endeavour to extinguish these menacing fires which are fed on blind prejudice, ignorance and jealousy!
A'HA'VA (Love): Love is the cornerstone upon which we have built our Bet-Am, our House of Brotherhood.
LOVE.. is that sincere affection between one human being and another upon which uplifts us from cold materialism to brighter heights of spiritual joy, which lightens our daily labours and gladdens the lives of those around us.
SHALOM (Peace): Peace is that security by which civilization can hope to progress and develop for the benefit of mankind. Shalom – that wonderful word which has two meanings.
Shalom – Peace and Welcome.
On behalf of all Worthy Brethren and Brethren both present and absent I bid you welcome to the Hebrew Order of David. May you and your families enjoy a happy association with the Hebrew Order of David in peace in all the years to come.
ACHVA (Fraternity): In the Hebrew Order of David, we make no distinction between one Brother and another by reason of wealth, position or status. Remember rather, that we are members of one great family, bound together in a bond of sincere affection.
MISGAV LA'DACH (A refuge for the needy): Life is an ocean upon which man sails, never the master of his fate and oft surrounded by circumstances which may compel him to seek assistance, spiritual, material and intellectual.
Therefore in their hour of need, the Brethren of the Hebrew Order of David must render assistance wherever it is required.
CHAVERIM KOL ISRAEL – All Israel are united in Fellowship, and it is in this firm belief that we of the Hebrew Order of David constantly strive to bring about a spirit of chavershaft that special understanding and communication which should at all times exist between us, and it is our sincere hope to embrace all sons of Israel into one United Brotherhood in this country.
Finally, let me impress upon you our motto Ve' Ahavta Le'Rei'Acha Ka'mocha – And they shalt love thy neighbour as Thyself.
These words must be indelibly inscribed on your hearts and this precept must be observed and acted upon by you in your daily life and not only within the confines of this Lodge Temple, but during every moment of every hour... of every day! These words are placed at the highest point of this Emblem – as an inspiration for harmony and selflessness, which should be the predominating traits in men of character.
This Emblem has been explained and will be presented to you in the firm trust that you will actively participate in the building of our Order so that it may become a shield of strength to Judaism and an instrument for the uniting of our people.
Fortified by the idealism of our aims and the nobility of our objects, we shall become a beacon of light unto the Nations and our voice shall be heard with Dignity and Justice in all matters concerning the welfare of our people.
It is now my honour and privilege to present to you your own personalised facsimile of this Emblem. In so doing, may I ask that you display them in a position of prominence in your homes.
The Brother making the presentation salutes the President and Vice-President and resumes
his seat.
An appropriate presentation of a copy of the Constitution and the Hebrew Order of David lapel badge (if available) should now be made to each new Initiate by a person or persons called upon to do so by the President.
And at this stage, time permitting the optional, additional charges of "Charity" "The Menorah" "The Explanation of the Candelabrum" may be introduced.
This is then followed by the Candle-Lighting Ceremony, when a few appropriate words of elaboration may be given with each charge, if so desired.
P.- M.C.: Bro. Master of Ceremonies, please conduct our newly-initiated Brother/Brethren to our Bro. Vice-President for the Lighting of the first candle.
Master or Ceremonies leads the Brother/Brethren to the Vice-President.
M.C.- V.P.: Bro. Vice-President, I present to you our newly-initiated Brother/Brethren to light the first candle.
V.P.- Initiate(s): Bro. ... when you arrived in this Lodge you were blindfolded and in total darkness as to our ideas and functions. You have been enlightened as to our aims and it is now Bro. President's command that you light the first of a series of seven candles – one at each Lodge meeting. When you have kindled the seventh candle you will be eligible to be raised to the Second Degree, after which Degree you may be eligible to hold office in your Lodge.
I now call on you to light your first candle that it may not only shed light into the lives of the members of this Lodge, but that it may also bring knowledge and hope into your life. May I, therefore, express the sincere hope that your whole life may continue to be made happy through the goodwill and light that you will shed about you.
Initiate lights his first candle.
Bro. ..., may this first light also bring you a full realisation of your responsibilities towards the Order and your fellowmen.
P.- Initiate(s): Bros. ..., this concludes the ceremony of the lighting of the first candle. I now instruct you to attend the next regular meeting of this Lodge, so that you may light the next candle. Please salute me and the Bro. Vice-President before taking your seat among your Brethren.
 
 
Ceremony for Lighting the Candles
 
P.- Sec.: Brother Secretary, can you inform me of any Brethren who are due to light their next candles?
Brother Secretary reports accordingly.
Brother President now calls on previously initiated Brethren to light their next candles.
P.-M.C.: Brother Master of Ceremonies, you will now conduct Brother/Brethren ... to the Vice-President to enable him to light his... candle.
M.C.- V.P.: Brother Vice-President, I present to you Brother/Brethren ... for a mark of your favour.
V.P.- Brother / Brethren: Brother/Brethren ... you will now light your ... candle and repeat after me the following:
CANDLE No.2:
I light this, my second candle, to remind me of that virtue depicted on the pillars of our Emblem which is LOVE.
CANDLE No.3:
A Brother, on lighting the third candle, says the following: I light this, my third candle, to remind me of that virtue depicted on the pillars of our Emblem which is FRATERNITY.
CANDLE No.4:
A Brother, on lighting the fourth candle says the following: I light this, my fourth candle, to remind me of that virtue depicted on the pillars of our Emblem which is UNITY
CANDLE No.5:
A Brother, on lighting the fifth candle says: I light this, my fifth candle, to remind me of that virtue depicted on the pillars of our Emblem which is PEACE.
CANDLE No.6:
Charge by Brother.
On the occasion of lighting this, the sixth candle, I reaffirm my obligation of loyalty and obedience to the Brother President and Officers of this Lodge.
CANDLE No. 7:
Charge by Brother.
On lighting this the seventh candle, I solemnly promise that should I in the future be elected to any office in the Lodge, I hereby undertake to carry out my duties in a conscientious manner, and I to devote myself to the due fulfilment of the office, for the benefit of the Order.
V.P.- Brother/ Brethren: Brother/Brethren ... pay attention to Brother President.
Final remarks.
P.- Brother/ Brethren: Brother/Brethren ... this completes the ceremony of lighting the seven candles, and I would like to inform you that you are now a fully qualified Brother/Brethren of the Lodge. You are, therefore, eligible for raising to the Second Degree, which will be confer red upon you in due course.
I congratulate you, and wish you a long and happy association with this Lodge and the Order. Brother.../Brethren, please be seated.
The Brother/Brethren resume his/their seat(s).
 
 
Charge of Charity
 
Let us dwell for a few moments on the excellence of that great practical force in life which is... Charity.
The Talmud states: "Le Olam Yadin Adam Atsmoh Lidvar Mitzvah" which means "A Man Must Judge Himself in Order To Do Good Deeds."
Brethren, Think of these words and you will realise that no man can reach the heights sublime, who knows not the practice of CHARITY.
You may, as we hope and feel confident you will, at some future time in life, receive many honours at the hands of your fellowmen, honours which you will have earned on account of something done and accomplished for the betterment or glory of your fellow creatures.
But what greater honour can your fellowmen do you, than return thanks for, or commemorate some charitable action of yours. A man may fight for his country and be honoured.
He may have achieved some great scholastic success and be honoured.
He may even have made some striking scientific discovery and be honoured.
But the men· who are honoured for all these things have achieved only something for themselves, which, even if it did help their fellowmen, does not ennoble them.
For to be ennobled, it is necessary for the soul to have felt its action: for the giver to have felt his giving:
And for the giving to have ennobled the recipient.
What more will do this than CHARITY?
To have plucked a starving child from the ravages of hunger,
A poor sick man from the grave or to have uplifted
A fallen brother by means of giving him something which he could not otherwise have obtained... How high must he who gave have risen?....
How great the joy of him who hath received.
Far greater is the charity that is given with the object of preventing destitution than that which is given after the receiver has fallen: And far greater above all is the charity which is practised unbeknown to your fellowmen, than is the charity which is given broadcast, before all men.
Brother, if I counsel you, it is because this is an Institution where we try and counsel all our Brethren, in the hope that heeding such advice, they will strive to rise to greater ideas and greater ideals, so that one dim day, when having striven, they reach those heights from whence no traveller returns, their name will always be remembered by those they left behind.
What better remembrance and example Brethren, could one wish for, than for him whose watchword was CHARITY?
  
 
Charge of … the M'NORAH
 
My Brother, Since time immemorial we Jews always accepted the Magen David as the symbol of our people, quite forgetting that the Shield of David has actually supplanted another and greater symbol centuries earlier. This symbol, so long forgotten, has fortunately
been revived in our time... I refer you to the M'NORAH.... on which you lit your first candle.
The original M'norah which stood in the Sanctuary was designed in accordance with Divine instruction and cast in one solid piece of pure gold by Bezalel, Master-craftsman of that time. It consisted of seven arms, all ending on an even height and was adorned by intricately-worked almond flowers and calyx-shaped cups in symmetrical rows.
In the Book of Exodus we find instructions as to how the M'norah was to be constructed and further that Aaron and the Cohanim were to ensure that the lamps were always filled with pure olive oil and that the wicks were to be trimmed in such a way that when they kindled would cast but one even light towards the centre of the Tabernacle.
It is related that later, when the Temple of King Solomon was built, TEN such Candle-abra were placed in the building and that the wicks were so trimmed that they ALL cast ONE light towards the centre of the edifice.
To most of us however, the M'norah is a reminder of the glorious and victorious struggle of the MACCABEES against foreign domination, and the miracle of the single crucible of oil lasting a full eight days to enable the lights to be kept burning.
Inasmuch as these historic facts are of such priceless memory to the Jewish people, their symbolic influence to us as Brethren of the Hebrew Order of David is of the UTMOST importance.
Let me therefore ask you to reflect upon the symbolism of the M'norah. It was cast in ONE piece. You will realise how excellent an indication it becomes to US as Brethren to remain united in one great body and to strive towards the ideal of the Brotherhood of Man.
Each one of us is as necessary for the wellbeing of this Lodge, as each arm of the Candelabra is necessary to the whole of the M'norah.
And when we think of that crucible of oil, let us remember that the Almighty instructed Aaron that only pure unadulterated oil which had been undefiled by the hands of man was permitted to be used in the M'norah in the Sanctuary.
So too must OUR thoughts and actions be free of malice and hat, in order that our work may be carried out in such a way as to be a blessing to our people.
Finally let me again remind you of the first light you kindled... even as that one glimmer of light began to glow in the darkness, it must have created within you the realisation, that even so small a glimmer could create a chain of light... which could encircle the world!
It is in THIS hope, that as you have seen the light, so too may a spark of goodwill be created within your heart, which, being reflected from one Brother to another, will bring light and happiness to each and every Brother of this Order.
  
 
Explanation of the Symbolism of the Candelabrum
 
The Brother honoured with the presentation of this Charge bows to the President, approaches and stands facing the Candelabrum and says: Way back in the beginning of time... B'RAY'SHIET... G- D created the Heavens and the Earth in six days, and when he saw what he had wrought... and he was satisfied, he commanded US HIS PEOPLE, as an everlasting Covenant from that time forth forever more, to REMEMBER the Seventh Day, and to keep it holy.
These seven candles (point to the Candles) symbolise the Seven Ages of Man; and are to be lit, one at each consecutive Lodge meeting, the first at our Initiation.
(Indicate each candle successively as the following is said): With the lighting of each successive Candle, we grow in spiritual stature, until, when we have kindled our seventh (Point to it) Candle, we shall be eligible to be raised to the Second Degree, without which Degree, NO Brother may hold ANY Office in ANY LODGE.
The Magen David (Indicate) is symbolical of our historic traditions, which must be upheld, in order that we may maintain with Dignity, our Jewish Identity... and it is our sincere hope, that in so doing, the good deeds of each and every Brother of the Order, will add lustre to the Light shed, by the Hebrew Order of David.
My Brethren, Jewry is once again (Move hand or pointer in a circular motion around the Globe) scattered over the entire surface of the Globe but, we draw our inspiration from Israel, (Indicate the position of Jerusalem marked by a Jewel on the Globe) ancient home – land of our People. KI MITZION TEITZEI TORAH... FOR OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW... U'DVAR HASHEM MIYERUSHALAYIM... AND THE WORD OF G- D FROM JERUSALEM.
It is said in the "ETHICS OF THE FATHERS" which are famous sayings handed down through the generations from Father to Son... AL SHLOSHA D'V ARIM HA'OLAM OMEID... the world exists on three Principles:
AL HA'TORAH... on the Torah, our Law, symbolised
(a) by the Ten Commandments, (Point) AL HA-AVODAH... on Service, service to Mankind, the Community, the Stranger in our Midst, seen here (Point) as
(b) a Flagon of Oil as a symbol of the dedication in the Temple...
VE AL GEMILUT CHASSIDIM... and on Good Deeds, symbolised by
(c) (Point) the Cup of Life.
These three tenets (Indicate a, b, c, by a movement of the hand or pointer) also signify the THIRD DEGREE, which is the highest honour our Order can bestow upon a Brother.
May the full Circle of Human Kindness, contained by this (Point strongly) SHINING, BAND OF BROTHERHOOD encompass the lives of all our Brethren and may our Order stand, through the ages, on a solid foundation, (Point to the base) supported by this, sturdy pillar (Indicate) of Wisdom and Understanding.
 
 
Closing Ceremony
 
When the business of the Meeting is completed, the President gives three distinctive knocks.
The Vice-President repeats these three knocks.
Master of Ceremonies: Brethren, to Order.
President: Brethren, please assist me to close the Lodge.
Bro. Inside Guardian, kindly secure the Tyle.
Inside Guardian checks the Tyle and reports.
Inside Guardian: Bro. President, the Tyle is secure.
President: Brethren, please give the Signs of the Order.
These signs are given.
President: Bro. Vice-President, what do we learn from these signs?
Vice-President: Bro. President, the Sign of Reflection reminds us of our common Brotherhood, and the Sign of Silence impresses upon us our Obligation of Loyalty to our Order.
President: Bro. Chaplain, will you now recite the Closing Prayer.
The Chaplain approaches and stands behind the Candle of Remembrance which is still burning and in tones the Closing Prayer.
At the same time the main lighting is once again dimmed,
 
 
Closing Prayer
 
Almighty Father in Heaven, bless us with the Strength and Sustenance to do Thy will.
Bestow Peace and Security upon Israel, Thy people, Help us to practice deeds of Loving Kindness and to promote Peace and Harmony amongst our fellow men.
May it be Thy will, O Lord, that we shall be privileged to meet again in Happiness and in Good Health in this Lodge.
Amen
Main lighting is again restored.
The Chaplain remains standing behind the Candle of Remembrance.
President: Bro. Vice-President and Brethren, our labours having been concluded I now declare this Lodge closed.
President extinguishes the lights on his Rostrum and gives one knock.
Vice-President repeats the knock.
Vice-President: And it is so closed until we meet again.
Vice-President extinguishes the lights on his Rostrum.
And at the same time the Chaplain extinguishes the "Flame of Remembrance".
Master of Ceremonies: Brethren, please remain upstanding (not at Fidelity) while Bro. President, Bro. Vice-President and all Leaders of visiting delegations leave the Lodge Temple.
The Master of Ceremonies escorts the Bro. President, Bro. Vice-President and Leaders of visiting delegations from the Temple.