Alpha Epsilon Pi, commonly known as AEPi, is the primary international Jewish fraternity. Founded over a century ago, it has grown into a global organization with chapters at hundreds of universities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Israel. While it is a Jewish organization, it is known for its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders for the Jewish community and society at large.
For students and parents researching Greek life, AEPi offers a unique blend of traditional fraternity brotherhood and a strong cultural identity. This guide provides a comprehensive look at what the organization stands for, how it functions, and what prospective members can expect when they join.
The History of Alpha Epsilon Pi
Alpha Epsilon Pi was founded on November 7, 1913, at New York University (NYU). The organization was started by a group of eleven young men who are now referred to as the “Immortal Eleven.” These founders wanted to create a space where Jewish students could experience the benefits of a fraternity without facing the discrimination common in many social clubs at the time.
Charles C. Moskowitz was the primary leader among the founders. He was a star basketball player who had been recruited by a local fraternity but was told that his Jewish friends could not join him. Rather than abandon his peers, he decided to start a new fraternity that would welcome them. This spirit of inclusivity and loyalty remains a core part of the organization today.
Since its humble beginnings in a basement at NYU, AEPi has expanded significantly. It survived the challenges of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, eventually becoming a truly international organization. Today, it remains the only fraternity that has been continuously active as a Jewish organization since its inception.
The Mission and Core Values
The mission of Alpha Epsilon Pi is to provide opportunities for the Jewish college man to seek the best college and fraternity experience. The organization focuses on several key pillars that guide its programming and chapter life. These values help shape the character of its members throughout their college years and beyond.
One of the primary goals is the development of leadership. AEPi encourages its members to take on roles within the chapter and the broader campus community. This focus on leadership is intended to prepare brothers for roles in the professional world and within Jewish communal organizations.
Another core value is the concept of “Tikkun Olam,” a Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world.” This is expressed through a heavy emphasis on philanthropy and community service. Members are encouraged to give back to their local communities and support international causes that align with the fraternity’s mission.
Philanthropy and the AEPi Foundation
Philanthropy is a major component of the AEPi experience. The fraternity operates the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation, which manages the organization’s charitable giving and educational programs. Through the Official Philanthropy Program (OPP), chapters raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various causes.
The fraternity typically partners with several high-impact organizations. These often include:
- Save a Child’s Heart: An organization based in Israel that provides life-saving cardiac care to children from developing countries.
- Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation: A group dedicated to improving the quality of life and treatment for children battling cancer in Israel.
- The Jaffa Institute: This organization provides educational and social welfare programs to at-risk children in Israel.
- United Hatzalah: A volunteer emergency medical services organization that provides rapid response to medical emergencies.
Individual chapters also participate in local service projects. These might include food drives, tutoring programs, or fundraising events for local hospitals. This commitment to service helps brothers build a sense of social responsibility and teamwork.
The Membership Process: How to Join
Joining Alpha Epsilon Pi usually begins with a process known as “Rush.” This is a period at the beginning of the academic semester when fraternities host social events to meet prospective members. It is a low-pressure way for students to learn about the chapter and for the brothers to meet potential new members.
During Rush, interested students attend dinners, sports events, or informational meetings. If a student and the fraternity feel they are a good match, the student may receive a “bid,” which is a formal invitation to join. Once a student accepts a bid, they begin the new member education period.
The new member period, often called pledging, is designed to teach the history, values, and traditions of the fraternity. AEPi has a strict policy against hazing and focuses on constructive bonding and education. After successfully completing this period, new members are initiated as full brothers in a formal ceremony.
Academic and Professional Benefits
While the social aspect of a fraternity is often the most visible, AEPi places a strong emphasis on academic success. Most chapters have a minimum GPA requirement for members to remain in good standing. Many chapters also organize study groups and provide resources to help younger brothers navigate their coursework.
The professional benefits of AEPi extend far beyond graduation. The fraternity boasts a massive global alumni network. This network can be an invaluable resource for career advice, mentorship, and job opportunities.
AEPi alumni are found in almost every professional field, including law, medicine, technology, entertainment, and politics. Being an AEPi brother provides an instant connection with thousands of successful professionals around the world. This “brotherhood for life” is one of the most significant long-term advantages of joining.
Notable Alumni of Alpha Epsilon Pi
Many former members of AEPi have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields. Seeing the achievements of alumni can provide inspiration for current and prospective members. These individuals often credit their fraternity experience with helping them develop the skills needed for success.
Some well-known AEPi alumni include:
- Mark Zuckerberg: Co-founder of Facebook (now Meta).
- Wolf Blitzer: Renowned journalist and CNN anchor.
- Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel: The legendary folk-rock duo.
- Gary Bettman: Commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Chet Simmons: The first president of ESPN.
The success of these individuals highlights the fraternity’s ability to foster talent and leadership. Many alumni remain active with the organization, giving back through donations or by mentoring current undergraduate members.
Common Questions About AEPi
If you are considering joining AEPi, you may have questions about the time commitment and costs. Membership dues vary by chapter and university. These dues typically cover the costs of social events, insurance, national fees, and chapter house maintenance.
The time commitment can also vary. During the initial new member period, you may spend several hours a week at meetings and events. As a full brother, your involvement level is largely up to you, though most members find that the more they put into the fraternity, the more they get out of it.
Another common question is whether you must be Jewish to join. While AEPi is a Jewish fraternity and its programming is centered on Jewish values and culture, it is non-discriminatory. Anyone who is willing to respect and uphold the values and mission of the fraternity is generally welcome to pursue membership.
Conclusion
Alpha Epsilon Pi offers a unique opportunity for college students to connect with their heritage while building lifelong friendships and professional skills. From its historical roots at NYU to its current status as an international leader in Greek life, AEPi continues to focus on its mission of developing strong leaders for the Jewish community and beyond.
If you are a student looking for a supportive community on campus, reaching out to your local AEPi chapter is an excellent first step. For more information on navigating college life and extracurricular activities, explore our other articles on campus organizations and student success strategies.