A Different Retro Rush Thread

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

And, I thought Phi Sigma Sigma was the first sorority founded under nonsectarian terms so how does that make it a historically jewish sorority?

Really, I'm just wondering.

"On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was born, unobtrusively, without the thought of expansion. It was the first nonsectarian sorority; the only one that was open to diverse membership from inception and the only one with a ritual that was not based in scripture."

-courtesy of phisigmasigma.org

I'm guessing that because Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Phi Epsilon are non-sectarian, back in the day, they were known to be "Jewish friendly". If Christian chapters didn't allow Jewish women, Jewish PNMs have few options in the NPC: a historically Jewish sorority (AEPhi, SDT) or a non-sectarian sorority (DPhiE, Phi Sig). So although, not technically Jewish, non-sectarian sororities may have attracted many Jewish women who wanted the sorority experience but were not welcome elsewhere.

[paulam]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

I'm guessing that because Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Phi Epsilon are non-sectarian, back in the day, they were known to be "Jewish friendly". If Christian chapters didn't allow Jewish women, Jewish PNMs have few options in the NPC: a historically Jewish sorority (AEPhi, SDT) or a non-sectarian sorority (DPhiE, Phi Sig). So although, not technically Jewish, non-sectarian sororities may have attracted many Jewish women who wanted the sorority experience but were not welcome elsewhere.

I agree with that. Please see my response to Always SAI.

Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People

[smiley21]

I don't if it was mentioned before and I missed it, but what school is this?

[paulam]

Originally Posted by smiley21

I don't if it was mentioned before and I missed it, but what school is this?

My Alma Mater is the University of Houston. We were a commuter school for the most part although there were six dorms filled to capacity. Many students were older and worked full time, attending school in the evenings after work. For those of us who wanted the full college experience, joining a sorority made all the difference.

There is now a sorority row near campus with beautiful townhouses. I have seen pictures but haven't had a chance to visit the campus yet.

Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People

[LXA SE285]

Phi Sig's founders were all Jewish

At least one, Josephine Ellison Breakstone, was not ... I think.

[paulam]

Originally Posted by LXA SE285

At least one, Josephine Ellison Breakstone, was not ... I think.

Her name sounds like it could be Jewish. When I hear Breakstone, I think of sour cream. I buy it all the time at the supermarket. Can any Phi Sigs out there respond?

Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People

[aephi alum]

Breakstone is most likely her married name. My understanding is that the founders learned that they couldn't all be sisters in an existing sorority because they were of different religions, so they founded a new non-sectarian sorority. But I'll defer to the Phi Sigs, seeing as I'm an AEPhi and not a Phi Sig

(If I'm right, do I get a virtual latke? )