The B'nai B'rith Jewish Youth Eisteddfod - Music Series - began in 1992, when Unit Re'ut revived the former Maccabbi Jewish Competitions of the 40s and 50s as part of an activity called "Focus on B'nai B'rith".

Concentrating on music alone, 19 entries were received in just three sections  - Piano, Vocal, and Instrumental.  Today, entries are numbered in the hundreds, with 12 sections offered overall - Piano, Strings, Guitar, Classical Vocal, Popular Vocal, Yiddish and Hebrew Folk Singing, Choirs, Brass, Woodwind, Bands, Ensembles, and the Special Piano and Instrumental section.

The B'nai B'rith Jewish Youth Eisteddfod is a member of, and has accreditation with, the Australian Eisteddfod Association.
 
Qualifying heats are held in August at B'nai B'rith House, and the Finals Concert at the Glen Eira Arts Centre - always a community sellout with standing room only - is held in September.  In the heats, prizes are awarded in every age group, and at the Finals Concert, finalists chosen by the adjudicators perform and compete for major scholarships and awards.
 
Unit Re'ut is the smallest unit in B'nai B'rith Victoria, and involves every member in one way or another.  A dedicated committee, really a specialist team, brings their individual skills to the fore to make this activity for youth a success, and we invite you to become involved.
 
This is the only Jewish eisteddfod in Australia and fulfils a specific need - it does not replicate what any other Jewish organisation is doing.  Orthodox children are enabled to compete in an officially recognised eisteddfod; as most other eisteddfods are held on Shabbat, this activity acts as a bridge through all streams of Judaism.  Covering Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels (ages 5 to 25), this broad spectrum activity throughout our community brings awareness of B'nai B'rith and its many activities for youth into countless Jewish homes, particularly through publicity in the Australian Jewish News, which generously assists with advertising and supportive editorial coverage.
 
This unique activity encourages the next generation of musicians through examination by highly qualified adjudicators and examiners - professors of music, conductors of note, even AMEB examiners - who bring with them a wealth of experience and musical knowledge both from here and overseas.
 
…and you too can be part of this exciting activity for our youth.  Please phone the B'nai B'rith Office on (03) 9576 1116 for information.