Freemasonry is possibly the oldest, largest, and most charitable men’s fraternal organization in the world today.  Freemasonry is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place.  For those who choose it, it is a path of self-discovery and shared beliefs that make good men better sons, husbands and fathers.  And it is walking upright and proud, in the same tradition as the long list of giants who did so before us.

Guided by the enduring principles of our fraternity, we make a profound difference for our brothers, our families and our communities.  As Masons, our commitment to personal growth and relief through philanthropy is based on the belief that every man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place.

Freemasonry is spiritual, not religious in nature.

Freemasonry is an opportunity of a man to improve himself.

Freemasonry is rich in history and tradition.

Freemasonry is open to men of good character, regardless of race, creed or religion.

In short, Freemasonry is a way of life.

n the year 1930, a group of Masons who were members of La Fraternidad Lodge #387, conceived the idea of forming a new Lodge whose members would be predominantly Sephardic. The first meeting to launch this movement took place on Saturday evening November 22, 1930 at the Manager Hotel in Manhattan. This gathering was convened through notice over the signature of brothers Solomon Emanuel, Jacques M. Habib and Louis J. Opal. This marked the beginning of the only Masonic Lodge in the world composed of mostly Sephardic members.

The petition for letters of dispensation for the Lodge was signed by the following members: Eli M. Alcabes, Joseph Amelar, Claude Cabutto, Fernando De La Garza, Dr. Solomon De Sola, Solomon Emanuel, Milton H. Ezra, Jacques M. Habib, David Joseph, Theodore Labe, Louis J. Opal and Gabriel Yohai.

It then became necessary to find an appropriate name for the Lodge. Several names of celebrated philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages were suggested before it was finally concluded to name the Lodge after Don Isaac Abravanel – Portuguese Jewish statesman, philosopher, Bible commentator and financier.  Abravanel was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1437.  He died in 1508 in Venice, while in exile, during the Spanish Inquisition.  He was buried outside Venice in the town of Padua, next to Rabbi Judah Minz, the Rabbi of Padua.  However, due to the destruction of the Jewish cemetery there during the Siege of Padua in 1509, Abravanel’s grave is now unknown.

It is noteworthy to point out to our readers the place which Don Isaac Abravanel still holds in world history. He was a statesman, financier to kings, philosopher, theologian and biblical commentator. He is, indeed, considered a truly great and glorious figure of the Golden Age of Jewish history.

Through the years, Abravanel Lodge #1116 has grown and developed substantially, and it has become a strong constituent within the domain of New York Masonry. This is principally due to the ever present spirit of solidarity keeping the rank-and-file strong and steadfast, as well as to the brilliant leadership of a long array of luminaries within the Lodge to guide its destiny.

Long may we continue to walk in their path.