I. Introduction: Myths about Jewish Genealogy & How to start.

Why to start:

Why start a Genealogy work? How much should one research?

Some myths and the truth behind them:

Next: How to research?
Take the Three basic steps. Also: be organized. Patience & time help, but not necessary.

II.Approach to methodology:

Methodology cycle

How to start? Three basic steps.

My three rules of thumb are as follows:
  1. Start interviewing, Interviewing can be done in many ways. Be prepared.
  2. Read a book: Unpuzzling your past; Voices in your blood; Genealogist handy guide (ALA recommended).
  3. Join a genealogical society: by place of origin; religion; region or nationality.
Directions & Methods: Where to find records? What to concentrate on?

Where to find records:

Records from Eastern Europe (Churches/Townships, LDS)

Two main ways by mail without paying a lot:
Electronic databases (SSA, LDS, REIPP, WWW, CLA) You don't need to have a computer.

III. Family hiSTORY: How to reconstruct the lives of our ancestors?

  1. Photos & Archival
    What's in a picture? Satisfaction; Look & learn from the photo & deduce information.
  2. Artifacts More complicated to preserve & less information/attachment than photograph. Caring for your Collectibles; Light Impression; Gaylord Brothers.

    In Short: Light/Heat; Oxygenation; Rust and physical abuse can all deteriorate. If you have a large or important artifact, consult a preservation specialist. Look into marks, names and tags. Photograph the item in B/W and archive the photo.

  3. Stories & Interviews
    Stories always have a grain of truth in them.

Tidbits:

What's in a name?

Names often tell us about original ancestor; town or trait. It's a great supplement for family research.
The origins of names is complex. Take a few examples: MARCUS comes from the Roman god associated with Mars. However, often used as the Latin version of Mordeccai, Motel etc. TZIPKOWICZ is a women's name: Of Tzipira. In pre-literal world the men were studying and women were conducting the family's public affairs. Family became known by their Matron's name. BAUM, APPLEBAUM etc., in pre-literal era, there were no house numbers but house-signs. Often a tree or a specific tree was the sign. The family living in that house was known by its signs. Families changed names as they changed houses. Recommended reading:Dictionary of Jewish Names and their History, Kaganoff, 1977.

Samples & books will be presented & discussed. Informational sheets will be distributed to participants.

Presentation creator's Bio:

Home page has been a genealogist for 12 years, first in Israel and then in the U.S. Member of the New York Jewish Genealogy Society, special editor to Landsmen and a contributor to Russian Era Indexing of Poland Project (REIPP) database and Roots-L on the Internet. Other specialties include: Genealogy using the Social Security Administration, Genealogical Software and photography archival. Yigal Rechtman, N.Y. 1997 ©