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We’d love to hear from you! The Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado blog is built on the shared stories, discoveries, and insights of our members. Whether you’ve uncovered a long-lost ancestor, have tips for using research tools, or want to reflect on your family’s journey, your voice adds depth and meaning to our community. Writing an article doesn’t need to be formal or lengthy—just heartfelt and personal. Every contribution helps inspire and connect others who are on their own path of discovery. If you have a story or experience to share, please consider submitting it to our blog—we can’t wait to feature your perspective. Submit your article.
  • December 04, 2025 2:28 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Community records from Europe are some of the most underrated treasures in historical and genealogical research. They don’t just tell you when someone was born, married, or died — they tell you how people lived, who they relied on, and what kind of community surrounded them. Whether you’re researching Jewish ancestors, another religious or ethnic group, or simply trying to understand everyday life in a European town, community records can add depth and color that vital records alone never will.

    So what exactly counts as a “community record”? Think beyond civil registration. Community records include synagogue and church registers, town council minutes, school lists, tax rolls, guild memberships, cemetery records, poor relief files, and even membership lists for cultural or charitable organizations. These documents were created by communities for communities — and that’s what makes them so powerful.

    Local and Municipal Archives

    Your first major stop should be local or regional archives. In many European countries, town halls, district archives, and state archives hold centuries’ worth of community documentation. These collections often include census substitutes, residency permits, household registers, voter lists, and tax assessments. Even if a town was small, it likely generated paperwork — and archivists preserved more than you might expect.

    Many European archives now offer online catalogs, and some have digitized portions of their collections. Even when records aren’t online, catalog descriptions can reveal what exists and whether it’s worth requesting copies or hiring a local researcher.

    Religious Institutions and Denominational Archives

    Religious communities were record-keeping machines. Churches documented baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, and parish membership. Synagogues recorded circumcisions, marriages, burial society activities, seat holders, and charity distributions. These records often predate civil registration by decades or even centuries.

    Some records remain with the original congregation, while others were transferred to regional or national religious archives. For Jewish research, centralized repositories and umbrella organizations often safeguard defunct synagogue records, especially in areas affected by war or migration.

    National Archives and Government Repositories

    National archives can be goldmines for community-level material, especially when local records were absorbed by the state. Here you may find population registers, military conscription lists, citizenship applications, school records, and court documents that name entire households or neighborhoods.

    In parts of Eastern and Central Europe, governments kept detailed residency records that tracked families as they moved within a region. These documents can quietly bridge gaps where birth or marriage records are missing.

    Libraries, Universities, and Historical Societies

    Don’t overlook academic and cultural institutions. University libraries and historical societies often hold unpublished manuscripts, community histories, membership lists, and transcribed records created by local historians. These sources are especially valuable when original records were destroyed or lost.

    Some libraries also house memorial books, anniversary publications, or commemorative volumes produced by towns and organizations. These may include photographs, name lists, and personal stories that exist nowhere else.

    Online Databases and Digital Projects

    Over the past two decades, massive digitization efforts have made European community records more accessible than ever. Specialized genealogy websites, regional digitization projects, and volunteer-driven initiatives host millions of indexed and scanned documents.

    These platforms often include translations, explanations of historical terms, and user-contributed annotations. While coverage varies by country and time period, online databases are an excellent way to survey what exists before diving deeper.

    Cemeteries, Burial Societies, and Memorial Records

    Cemetery records are community records in their purest form. Burial registers, plot maps, gravestone inscriptions, and burial society logs can reveal family relationships, social status, and religious affiliation. In some cases, burial societies kept meticulous notes about members, dues, and charitable aid.

    Even when cemeteries were damaged or destroyed, transcriptions and surveys may survive in archives or online collections.

    Tips for Success

    When researching European community records, patience and flexibility are essential. Records may be in unfamiliar languages, scripts, or formats. Place names may have changed. Jurisdictions shifted over time. Start broad, then narrow your focus.

    Most importantly, remember that community records are about connection. They don’t just document individuals — they reveal networks of neighbors, relatives, and institutions. Follow those connections, and you’ll often uncover stories you didn’t even know to look for.

    Preserve Jewish Heritage — Join and Support Our Mission

    As technology advances, so does our ability to trace Jewish ancestry across generations and continents. Our nonprofit Jewish genealogy organization in Colorado is dedicated to helping individuals explore, document, and preserve their family stories — stories that might otherwise be lost.

    Your membership and donations make this work possible. Together, we can connect families, honor our ancestors, and strengthen our shared heritage.

    Join us today or make a tax-deductible contribution to help continue this vital mission of Jewish genealogical discovery.

  • December 02, 2025 9:50 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Finding European Synagogue Records

    Finding synagogue records in Europe can feel like opening a time capsule-dusty, mysterious, and possibly in another language-but those records are among the richest sources for Jewish family history. Here’s a practical guide to where to look, what you’ll find, and a few tips to make the search less daunting.

    Start with big online archives and databases.

    Do your web research before traveling to archives. The ITS and JewishGen have amassed massive collections and indexes of synagogue, community, and vital records. JewishGen's Family Finder and Communities Database provide links to local record holdings and volunteer-transcribed lists; it is an essential first stop if you want to see whether records for your town exist and where they're kept. Many national and regional archives also put digitized material online, so try searching the national archive of the country where your family lived-Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Hungary, Belarus, Germany, and others have online catalogs you can query.

    National and regional archives

    Throughout Europe, civic and national archives are often the repository for older synagogue and communal records. For instance, civil registration was initiated at various times in different countries, and those civil registers sometimes subsumed the earlier communal records or were retained alongside. Search for the national archive - commonly designated “State Archives,” “Arhiv,” or “Archiv” - and the appropriate regional branch relating to the town of interest. Numerous archives have the ability to search online catalogs or digitized record collections; if not, email or write the archive with the name of the town and approximate dates.

    Various local Jewish community offices and historical societies

    Where Jewish communities survived or reconstituted after WWII, the local community office often retains synagogue minute books, membership lists, burial society records and cemetery logs. Historical societies dedicated to Jewish history - regional or town-based - sometimes have copies or transcriptions. Even if the original synagogue no longer exists, the successor community or municipal library occasionally possesses remnants or photocopies.

    Cemetery and burial records

    Cemeteries were well-documented by the Jewish community. The burial registers can contain names, dates, family relationships, and even street addresses or occupations. Search out cemetery databases and projects such as the International Jewish Cemetery Project. Many cemetery records have been photographed and indexed by volunteers; these can be a treasure when synagogue records no longer exist.
    Records of rabbinical court and community institutions (Beth Din)
    Rabbinical courts, kosher supervision boards, and communal charities kept records that often include family events, divorces, adoptions, disputes, and financial transactions. These documents aren't always online, but national and regional archives or university special collections sometimes acquire them. If you identify a town, try searching the catalogues for "beth din", "rabbinical", or the local Jewish council historical name.

    Libraries, universities and special collections

    Academic institutions with Judaica departments or special collections often have synagogue archives, prayer books with marginal notes, community histories, and microfilmed records. Major centers in Europe and North America have acquired collections from Eastern Europe; check university library catalogs and contact the Judaica curator.

    Yizkor books and oral histories

    Yizkor books compiled by survivors of the Holocaust include lists of family names, community leaders, and institutional details. While they are secondary sources themselves, they might mention the names of the rabbis, synagogue names, and places of records. Oral history projects and interviews with relatives may provide information on what happened to records. Practical tips to make searches work:
    • Collect variants of place-names and language spellings; most towns have different names in Yiddish, Polish, German, Lithuanian, Hebrew, not to mention local dialects: 
    • Note date ranges: different record types began at different times (e.g. civil registers vs. synagogue birth registers).
    • Reach out to local archivists and Jewish genealogical groups, often eager to help and having access to obscure holdings.
    • If it is impossible to travel, engage professional in-country researchers; many archives accept research requests for a fee.

    Tracking synagogue records is detective work that blends online sleuthing with old-fashioned networking. Start broad with JewishGen and national archives, narrow by town and repository, and follow leads into cemeteries, rabbinical court files, and university collections. With persistence, and a few well-placed emails, those synagogue doors often open-and behind them, whole branches of your family story are waiting.

  • November 30, 2025 1:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Beyond Ellis Island: Other Ports of Entry for Jewish Immigrants

    When people think about Jewish immigration, Ellis Island usually steals the spotlight—and for good reason. Millions passed through New York on their way to new lives. But Jewish immigration was never a one-port story. In reality, Jewish immigrants entered through dozens of ports across the United States and around the world, each leaving behind records and stories just waiting to be discovered.

    If your ancestor doesn’t show up at Ellis Island, don’t assume the trail has gone cold. It may simply start somewhere else.

    Philadelphia: A Major but Often Overlooked Port

    Philadelphia was one of the most important ports of entry for Jewish immigrants, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Jews settled in the city itself, while others continued west to cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago.

    Passenger lists from Philadelphia often include the same rich details as New York manifests—age, occupation, last residence, and who the immigrant was joining. If your family ended up in Pennsylvania or the Midwest, this port deserves a close look.

    Baltimore and Boston: Smaller Ports with Big Impact

    Baltimore handled a steady stream of Jewish immigrants, particularly those headed to the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states. Boston, while smaller, was an important entry point for Jews settling in New England.

    Because these ports processed fewer passengers than New York, records can sometimes be easier to search and less cluttered with similar names—an unexpected bonus for genealogists.

    Galveston, Texas: A Deliberate Detour

    One of the most fascinating chapters in Jewish immigration history is the Galveston Movement (1907–1914). Jewish organizations encouraged immigrants to enter through Galveston, Texas, rather than New York, to ease overcrowding and promote settlement in the American interior.

    Thousands of Jewish immigrants arrived through Galveston and spread throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and beyond. If your ancestors settled in the South or Southwest, Galveston passenger lists may hold the key.

    Canadian Ports: Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec

    Not all Jewish immigrants came directly to the United States. Many entered through Canada, especially Halifax’s Pier 21, Montreal, and Quebec City.

    Some families remained in Canada, while others crossed the border into the U.S. later. These movements don’t always show up in American passenger lists, making Canadian records an essential stop for researchers with brick walls.

    South America, South Africa, and Palestine

    Jewish migration was global. Significant numbers of Jews immigrated to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa, and Palestine (later Israel).

    Passenger lists and immigration records from these destinations can include hometowns, family members, and sponsorship information. Even if your family eventually moved again, these records may preserve details lost elsewhere.

    How to Research Non–New York Ports

    The key to finding these records is keeping an open mind—and widening your search strategy.

    • Search by destination city, not just arrival port
    • Try surname variations and first-name alternatives
    • Look for relatives traveling together or joining earlier arrivals

    Many Jewish immigrants followed family networks, choosing ports based on where help awaited them.

    A Bigger Picture of the Journey

    Jewish immigration didn’t follow a single path, and your family’s story may be richer than you expect. Each port of entry represents a different decision, opportunity, and moment of courage.

    When you expand your search beyond Ellis Island, you don’t just increase your chances of finding records—you uncover the fuller, more human story of how your family found its way forward.

  • November 28, 2025 12:39 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Where to Find Jewish Immigrant and Passenger Lists (And How to Actually Use Them)

    For many Jewish families, immigration records are the emotional turning point in their story. Passenger lists capture the moment an ancestor left everything familiar behind and stepped into the unknown. If you’re tracing Jewish roots, these records can be absolute game-changers—often revealing original surnames, hometowns, relatives, and even who paid for the journey.

    The trick is knowing where to find Jewish immigrant and passenger lists and how to read them with a genealogist’s eye.

    jewish immigrants entering New York harborEllis Island and Castle Garden (United States)

    If your ancestors arrived in the United States between 1820 and 1957, there’s a strong chance they passed through New York.

    • Castle Garden: Covers arrivals from 1820 to 1892.
    • Ellis Island: Covers arrivals from 1892 to 1957.

    Passenger manifests from these ports can include age, marital status, last residence, final destination, and the name of a relative left behind or being joined. For Jewish immigrants, that “old country” town name is often the breakthrough clue.

    Pro tip: Search with flexible spelling. Jewish surnames were often recorded phonetically, and given names may appear in Yiddish, Hebrew, or Anglicized forms.

    Ancestry.com: Immigration Records in One Place

    Ancestry is one of the easiest platforms for finding passenger lists, especially if you’re searching broadly.

    It includes:

    • U.S. passenger arrival lists
    • Hamburg and Bremen departure lists
    • Naturalization records that confirm arrival details

    One advantage of Ancestry is the ability to link passenger lists to census records, draft cards, and death certificates—helping you confirm that the person on the ship is truly your ancestor.

    FamilySearch.org: Free and Surprisingly Deep

    FamilySearch offers free access to millions of immigration records, including digitized passenger lists and indexes.

    Many Jewish researchers overlook FamilySearch, but it’s especially useful when you already know a ship name, approximate year, or port of arrival. Some records are not indexed, meaning you may need to browse images—but that extra effort often pays off.

    FamilySearch also links immigration records to family trees, which can provide helpful (though always unverified) clues.

    European Departure Lists

    Sometimes the best clues come from the other side of the journey.

    • Hamburg Passenger Lists: Cover millions of emigrants leaving Europe.
    • Bremen Records: More limited, but still valuable.

    These lists may include place of birth, last residence, and traveling companions—especially helpful for Jewish families who migrated together or followed earlier relatives.

    Other Ports and Destinations

    Not all Jewish immigrants went to New York.

    • Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, and Galveston handled significant Jewish immigration.
    • Canada, South America, South Africa, and Palestine also received large numbers of Jewish immigrants.

    Each destination has its own passenger list collections, often accessible through national archives or genealogy websites.

    How to Read Jewish Passenger Lists Carefully

    Passenger lists are more than names on a page. Pay close attention to:

    • Names of relatives in the old country
    • Who the immigrant was going to join
    • Final destination city (often where family already lived)
    • Occupation and literacy

    For Jewish immigrants, these details help reconstruct entire family networks and migration patterns.

    Patience Is Part of the Process

    You may search ten manifests before finding the right one—or discover your ancestor traveled under a name you’ve never heard before. That’s normal.

    Jewish passenger lists reward persistence. Each record adds context, connection, and humanity to your family’s journey. And when you finally spot that hometown name or familiar relative, it’s a moment that makes every search worthwhile.

    Because these lists don’t just show how your ancestors traveled—they show why they mattered enough to be remembered.

  • November 26, 2025 12:27 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Best Websites for Jewish Genealogy Records (And How to Use Them)

    If you’re researching Jewish ancestors, you’ve probably already discovered one simple truth: Jewish genealogy is incredibly rewarding—and occasionally a little maddening. Names change, borders shift, languages multiply, and records don’t always live where you expect them to. Thankfully, a handful of excellent websites specialize in Jewish genealogy and can save you years of frustration.

    Below is a practical, human-friendly guide to the best websites for Jewish genealogy records, what each one does best, and why you’ll want them bookmarked.

    JewishGen.org: The Cornerstone of Jewish Genealogy

    If Jewish genealogy had a front door, JewishGen would be it. This free website is often the first stop—and the one researchers return to again and again.

    JewishGen offers:

    • Vital record indexes for births, marriages, and deaths
    • Town-specific databases and historical context
    • Holocaust-related resources and memorial books
    • Translation tools and research guides

    What makes JewishGen special is its focus on towns. Once you identify an ancestral town, JewishGen helps you understand how records were kept, where they might be today, and what spellings to expect.

    FamilySearch.org: A Free Powerhouse

    FamilySearch is not Jewish-specific, but it’s one of the most powerful free genealogy websites available—and surprisingly strong for Jewish records.

    You’ll find:

    • Digitized birth, marriage, and death records
    • Naturalization papers and census records
    • User-submitted family trees with potential clues

    One major bonus: many records are images of original documents. Even when indexes are incomplete, browsing by town or district can uncover relatives hiding in plain sight.

    Ancestry.com: Broad Coverage with Jewish Gems

    Ancestry is a subscription site, but its depth makes it worthwhile for many Jewish researchers—especially those tracing families who immigrated.

    Key strengths include:

    • Passenger lists and immigration records
    • U.S. birth, marriage, and death certificates
    • Census records that help reconstruct families

    Ancestry also hosts user family trees. While these should always be verified, they can provide valuable hints and connect you with distant cousins researching the same lines.

    JRI-Poland: Essential for Polish Jewish Research

    If your ancestors came from Poland (or regions that were once Polish), JRI-Poland is absolutely essential.

    This database focuses on indexed Jewish birth, marriage, and death records from Polish archives. Many entries include parents’ names, ages, and towns—details that help push your research back another generation.

    Even when images aren’t online, the index tells you exactly which archive holds the original record.

    Yad Vashem: More Than Holocaust Records

    Yad Vashem is best known for its Holocaust documentation, but it also contains vital genealogical information.

    Pages of Testimony often include:

    • Birth dates and places
    • Parents’ names
    • Marital status and family relationships

    For families affected by the Holocaust, these pages may be the only surviving record of an individual’s life.

    Find a Grave and Jewish Cemetery Databases

    Cemeteries are an often-overlooked genealogy resource. Websites like Find a Grave—and Jewish cemetery-specific databases—can provide Hebrew names, patronymics, and death dates.

    Photos of tombstones frequently include information that never made it into civil records, especially Hebrew dates and fathers’ names.

    Use Them Together (That’s the Secret)

    No single website has everything. The real magic happens when you use these sites together—cross-checking dates, confirming towns, and following small clues from one source to the next.

    Jewish genealogy isn’t about instant answers. It’s about slowly rebuilding lives, families, and communities—one record at a time. With these websites at your fingertips, you’re never researching alone.

    Preserve Jewish Heritage — Join and Support Our Mission

    As technology advances, so does our ability to trace Jewish ancestry across generations and continents. Our nonprofit Jewish genealogy organization in Colorado is dedicated to helping individuals explore, document, and preserve their family stories — stories that might otherwise be lost.

    Your membership and donations make this work possible. Together, we can connect families, honor our ancestors, and strengthen our shared heritage.

    Join us today or make a tax-deductible contribution to help continue this vital mission of Jewish genealogical discovery.

  • November 24, 2025 12:22 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Where to Find Jewish Birth, Marriage, and Death Records

    If you’ve ever tried to trace Jewish ancestors, you already know the feeling: excitement mixed with a little overwhelm. Names change, borders move, languages shift, and records aren’t always where you expect them to be. The good news? Jewish birth, marriage, and death records do exist in many places—you just need to know where (and how) to look.

    Here’s a friendly, practical guide to the most reliable places to find Jewish vital records, whether you’re researching relatives from Europe, the U.S., or beyond.

    Civil Registration Records (The Gold Standard)

    In many countries, governments began recording births, marriages, and deaths in the 19th century. These civil records often list parents’ names, ages, occupations, and places of origin—genealogy gold.

    • Eastern Europe: Look for records from towns in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
    • Where to find them: National and regional archives, online databases, and digitized collections.
    • Tip: Jewish records may be mixed in with non-Jewish ones, so don’t skip a collection just because it isn’t labeled “Jewish.”

    Synagogue and Religious Records

    Before civil registration—or alongside it—synagogues kept their own records. These can include birth registers (often tied to circumcision records), marriage contracts, and burial information.

    • Marriage records: Ketubot (Jewish marriage contracts) sometimes survive in archives or family collections.
    • Burial records: Chevra Kadisha (burial society) records may note death dates, Hebrew names, and fathers’ names.
    • Cemeteries: Tombstones often provide Hebrew dates and patronymics not found elsewhere.

    Jewish-Specific Genealogy Databases

    Several platforms focus specifically on Jewish records, saving you hours of guesswork.

    • JewishGen: A cornerstone of Jewish genealogy, offering town databases, vital record indexes, and translations.
    • JRI-Poland: An essential resource for Polish Jewish birth, marriage, and death indexes.
    • Yad Vashem: While best known for Holocaust records, Pages of Testimony sometimes include birth and death details.

    U.S. Records and Immigration Sources

    If your ancestors immigrated, American records can help fill in missing pieces.

    • Vital records: State and city birth, marriage, and death certificates.
    • Naturalization papers: Often list birth dates and towns.
    • Passenger lists: May confirm family relationships and places of origin.

    Think Creatively—and Patiently

    Jewish records don’t always live in one neat place. A birth might appear in a civil ledger, a synagogue register, and later on a tombstone. Names may be spelled five different ways. Dates may disagree.

    That’s normal. Jewish genealogy is part detective work, part puzzle, and part patience. Every record you find adds another thread to your family’s story—and over time, those threads start to weave together into something truly meaningful.

    And remember: even a single birth, marriage, or death record can open the door to generations you never knew existed.

    Preserve Jewish Heritage — Join and Support Our Mission

    As technology advances, so does our ability to trace Jewish ancestry across generations and continents. Our nonprofit Jewish genealogy organization in Colorado is dedicated to helping individuals explore, document, and preserve their family stories — stories that might otherwise be lost.

    Your membership and donations make this work possible. Together, we can connect families, honor our ancestors, and strengthen our shared heritage.

    Join us today or make a tax-deductible contribution to help continue this vital mission of Jewish genealogical discovery.

  • November 23, 2025 9:32 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Ancestry has a Cyber DNA sale through December 2 with two enticing options:

    • DNA Kit alone is $29
    • DNA kit and 3-month World Explorer membership is $30 total (i.e., $1 more for site access), introductory offer. This offer is available for new and returning subscribers. It cannot be used to extend an existing, active subscription.
    Details can be found at

    https://www.ancestry.com/c/dna/bundle

    SHOPPING TIP: Ancestry charges $10 shipping, so you may want to check prices elsewhere, such as Amazon or Target, etc., where shipping might be free. I found Ancestry's Origins+Traits kit on Amazon for $34, delivered, verses the Origins only version for $39, delivered, direct from Ancestry.

  • November 23, 2025 9:16 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    DNA kits have never been less expensive than they are right now, but you need to act quickly. MyHeritage is offering kits for $25 each through November 28, 2025. You can order the MyHeritage kit by going to https://www.myheritage.com/dna/.

  • November 22, 2025 1:29 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    What Do Common Jewish Surnames Mean?

    Jewish surnames carry fascinating stories that reflect history, geography, occupation, and personal traits. They are more than just names—they are windows into the lives of ancestors and the communities they lived in. Understanding what a surname means can help you feel connected to your heritage and uncover hidden stories about your family.

    1. Surnames Derived from Places

    Many Jewish surnames originated from towns, cities, or regions where families lived. During periods of migration, it was common to adopt the name of a hometown as a surname. These names serve as historical markers, giving clues about where your ancestors came from:

    • Berliner – This name indicates a family originally from Berlin, Germany.
    • Warszawski – Meaning “from Warsaw,” this surname points to Polish roots.
    • Londner – Refers to someone whose family came from London, England.

    By researching place-based surnames, you can often discover migration patterns, helping you trace your ancestors across Europe and beyond.

    2. Surnames Based on Occupation

    Many Jewish surnames were inspired by professions. They often reflect the work a family did for generations, providing insight into daily life and social roles:

    • Schneider – Meaning “tailor” in German, indicating someone who made or repaired clothing.
    • Goldsmith – Someone who worked with gold or precious metals, a respected trade in Jewish communities.
    • Kantor – Refers to a synagogue singer or cantor, highlighting a spiritual or cultural role.

    Occupational surnames can also reveal the skills and trades that were valued in Jewish society at the time.

    3. Surnames Inspired by Personal Traits

    Some Jewish surnames describe a physical characteristic, personality trait, or even a nickname that stuck. These names can be charming, humorous, or descriptive:

    • Gross – Literally “big” or “tall,” often used for a larger person or family patriarch.
    • Klein – Meaning “small” or “little,” perhaps describing a younger or smaller family member.
    • Weiss – Literally “white,” possibly referring to hair color, complexion, or even purity of character.

    Such names offer a small glimpse into how ancestors were perceived by their neighbors or family.

    4. Surnames with Religious or Hebrew Roots

    Many Jewish surnames have Hebrew or biblical origins, reflecting religious lineage, spiritual roles, or a connection to ancient history:

    • Cohen – Denotes a descendant of the priestly class, historically responsible for temple duties.
    • Levi – Refers to members of the Levite lineage, who assisted in temple services.
    • Ben-David – Meaning “son of David,” linking the family to the biblical King David.

    Religious surnames often carry great pride and significance, connecting modern families to thousands of years of history.

    Why Exploring Surnames Matters

    Exploring the meaning behind Jewish surnames is more than a research task—it is a journey into identity, heritage, and memory. Each name tells a story about migration, profession, family relationships, or cultural significance. By understanding your ancestors’ surnames, you can piece together parts of a life that might otherwise remain forgotten.

    Whether your surname reflects a town, a trade, a personal trait, or a sacred lineage, it is a link to the past. Every discovery deepens your connection to your family history and allows you to celebrate the legacy of those who came before you. Jewish surnames are not just names—they are living reminders of resilience, tradition, and the rich tapestry of Jewish life across generations.

    Take time to explore your family names, ask questions, and record stories. Each surname you uncover is a key to history, giving voice to ancestors whose experiences continue to shape who you are today.

    Preserve Jewish Heritage — Join and Support Our Mission

    As technology advances, so does our ability to trace Jewish ancestry across generations and continents. Our nonprofit Jewish genealogy organization in Colorado is dedicated to helping individuals explore, document, and preserve their family stories — stories that might otherwise be lost.

    Your membership and donations make this work possible. Together, we can connect families, honor our ancestors, and strengthen our shared heritage.

    Join us today or make a tax-deductible contribution to help continue this vital mission of Jewish genealogical discovery.

  • November 20, 2025 12:14 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    How to Research Ancestors Who Perished in the Holocaust

    YAD VASHEMDiscovering the stories of ancestors who perished in the Holocaust is both a challenging and deeply personal journey. While the task can feel overwhelming, there are ways to uncover fragments of your family’s past and honor their memory.

    1. Start With What You Know

    Begin your research at home. Talk to relatives, gather documents, photographs, letters, and any family stories. Even small details—like a birth date, a town, or a distant cousin’s name—can lead to important discoveries.

    2. Explore Online Databases

    Several online archives specialize in Holocaust records. Some key resources include:

    • Yad Vashem – Israel’s official Holocaust memorial. Their Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names contains millions of entries.
    • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Offers archives, survivor testimonies, and digitized records.
    • JewishGen – Focused on Jewish genealogy, including Holocaust-related records.

    3. Use Civil and Local Records

    Birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census data and local registries, can provide context about your ancestor’s life before the war. Archives in the towns or regions where your family lived often hold invaluable documents.

    4. Connect With Other Researchers

    Genealogy forums, Jewish genealogy societies, and local history groups are full of people who share your passion. Collaboration can reveal leads that might otherwise remain hidden.

    5. Preserve and Share Their Stories

    As you uncover information, consider creating a digital memorial, writing a family history, or contributing to databases like Yad Vashem. Sharing helps keep their memory alive for future generations.

    Remember, this journey is as much about honoring the memory of your loved ones as it is about gathering facts. Every photograph, name, and story you recover is a victory against forgetting.

    Start small, be patient, and let curiosity guide you. Each discovery is a piece of a story that deserves to be remembered.

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