Amanda Skinner, age 13, of Mesa, Ariz., for her question:

WHEN WAS B'NAI B'RITH FOUNDED?

B'nai B'rith is the largest and oldest international Jewish service organization. It was founded in 1843 for the purpose of uniting jews in their highest interest and those of humanity.

More than 500,000 members are in the organization. There are more IIJ than 4,000 local units located in 46 countries.

A separate group is called B'nai B'rith Women. There are many local units for the more than 135,000 women who belong.

B'nai B'rith has programs in youth work, adult education, civic and veterans services, career guidance and vocational counseling, intergroup relations and philanthropy.

B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations maintain religious, cultural and counseling centers at about 250 United States and Canadian universities, and at more than 20 universities in other countries.