The Hebrew Order of David traces its roots back to a Jewish brotherhood initially established in England in 1896, functioning as a friendly society designed to support its members.
In 1904, Joseph Distiller, an immigrant from London, founded a branch of this order in Johannesburg, South Africa. His primary objective was to create a friendly society that offered camaraderie and aid, particularly to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.
By 1907, the organization had expanded with the formation of two additional lodges in other South African cities, signaling the beginning of its growth. However, by the late 1920s, the Order ceased its operations in England.
As emigration from South Africa increased significantly from the 1960s onward, several other lodges were established worldwide. In 1995, a revival of the order took place in the United Kingdom, and in 1999, a lodge was inaugurated in Atlanta, USA. This revival and expansion marked the resurgence and global spread of the Hebrew Order of David.
The Hebrew Order of David comprises 23 Lodges globally, operating under the guidance and policies set forth by the Grand Lodge situated in South Africa. While most Lodges retain autonomy within their respective countries, they function under the oversight of a regional Governing Lodge, appointed by members from the individual Lodges. All Lodges maintain affiliation with the Grand Lodge, presently headquartered in South Africa.
Presently, the United States hosts eight Lodges, with four situated in Atlanta and one each in Boca Raton, Dallas, Houston, and San Diego. Additionally, there is a Lodge in Toronto, Canada; three in London, England; two in Israel; and eight in South Africa, reflecting the widespread presence of the Order across these regions.