JewishGen.org Discussion Group FAQs
What is the JewishGen.org Discussion Group?
The JewishGen.org Discussion Group unites thousands of Jewish genealogical researchers worldwide as they research their family history, search for relatives, and share information, ideas, methods, tips, techniques, and resources. The JewishGen.org Discussion Group makes it easy, quick, and fun, to connect with others around the world.
Is it Secure?
Yes. JewishGen is using a state of the art platform with the most contemporary security standards. JewishGen will never share member information with third parties.
How is the New JewishGen.org Discussion Group better than the old one?
Our old Discussion List platform was woefully antiquated. Among its many challenges: it was not secure, it required messages to be sent in Plain Text, did not support accented characters or languages other than English, could not display links or images, and had archives that were not mobile-friendly.
This new platform that JewishGen is using is a scalable, and sustainable solution, and allows us to engage with JewishGen members throughout the world. It offers a simple and intuitive interface for both members and moderators, more powerful tools, and more secure archives (which are easily accessible on mobile devices, and which also block out personal email addresses to the public).
I am a JewishGen member, why do I have to create a separate account for the Discussion Group?
As we continue to modernize our platform, we are trying to ensure that everything meets contemporary security standards. In the future, we plan hope to have one single sign-in page.
I like how the current lists work. Will I still be able to send/receive emails of posts (and/or digests)?
Yes. In terms of functionality, the group will operate the same for people who like to participate with email. People can still send a message to an email address (in this case, main@groups.JewishGen.org), and receive a daily digest of postings, or individual emails. In addition, Members can also receive a daily summary of topics, and then choose which topics they would like to read about it. However, in addition to email, there is the additional functionality of being able to read/post messages utilizing our online forum (https://groups.jewishgen.org).
Does this new system require plain-text?
No.
Can I post images, accented characters, different colors/font sizes, non-latin characters?
Yes.
Can I categorize a message? For example, if my message is related to Polish, or Ukraine research, can I indicate as such?
Yes! Our new platform allows members to use “Hashtags.” Messages can then be sorted, and searched, based upon how they are categorized. Another advantage is that members can “mute” any conversations they are not interested in, by simply indicating they are not interested in a particular “hashtag.”
Will all posts be archived?
Yes.
Can I still search though old messages?
Yes. All the messages are accessible and searchable going back to 1998.
What if I have questions or need assistance using the new Group?
Send your questions to: support@JewishGen.org
How do I access the Group’s webpage?
Follow this link: https://groups.jewishgen.org/g/main
So just to be sure - this new group will allow us to post from our mobile phones, includes images, accented characters, and non-latin characters, and does not require plain text?
Correct!
Will there be any ads or annoying pop-ups?
No.
Will the current guidelines change?
Yes. While posts will be moderated to ensure civility, and that there is nothing posted that is inappropriate (or completely unrelated to genealogy), we will be trying to create an online community of people who regulate themselves, much as they do (very successfully) on Jewish Genealogy Portal on Facebook.
What are the new guidelines?
There are just a few simple rules & guidelines to follow, which you can read here:https://groups.jewishgen.org/g/main/guidelines
Thank you in advance for contributing to this amazing online community!
If you have any questions, or suggestions, please email support@JewishGen.org.
Sincerely,
The JewishGen.org Team
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Re: Naming after the father's death
#general
Robin Sherman <rsherman1@...>
Yes, this happened in my husband's family. Father Itzik died during the
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
pregnancy and the child was a boy named Itzik after him. Robin
One situation that I can envison is that the father died during the
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How to lcate birth mother
#general
Kim Sheintal
I am helping a friend who is looking for the birth mother of a baby. The
"baby" is now 31 years old and was adopted at birth by a Jewish family. My friend knows the mother's first and last name (which are both very common names) at the time the mother delivered, approximate age at the time the mother delivered and the approximate area of New York state at the time the mother delivered. She knows that the mother was Jewish at the time of delivery and that the baby's grandfather came >from Poland to the New York state area. Where can you suggest that she begin her search? I will forward any assistance/direction or questions that you send to me to my friend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kim Sheintal
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Re: Julius LEWIS of Belmar, New Jersey
#general
Robin Sherman <rsherman1@...>
The county seat is Freehold, NJ. Have you tried calling the Belmar
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Municipality to see if they have any records. I called 732.681.1176 press #9 and then extension 231 and ask for Pat. She said she does have death records for that time period. I don't Freehold has any death certificates there, but they do have a Hall of Records. Robin <delete_this_to_reply_stacy_harris@juno.com> wrote:
What major city would Belmar, New Jersey be located near?
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Naming after the father's death
#general
Robin Sherman <rsherman1@...>
Yes, this happened in my husband's family. Father Itzik died during the
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
pregnancy and the child was a boy named Itzik after him. Robin
One situation that I can envison is that the father died during the
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen How to lcate birth mother
#general
Kim Sheintal
I am helping a friend who is looking for the birth mother of a baby. The
"baby" is now 31 years old and was adopted at birth by a Jewish family. My friend knows the mother's first and last name (which are both very common names) at the time the mother delivered, approximate age at the time the mother delivered and the approximate area of New York state at the time the mother delivered. She knows that the mother was Jewish at the time of delivery and that the baby's grandfather came >from Poland to the New York state area. Where can you suggest that she begin her search? I will forward any assistance/direction or questions that you send to me to my friend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kim Sheintal
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Julius LEWIS of Belmar, New Jersey
#general
Robin Sherman <rsherman1@...>
The county seat is Freehold, NJ. Have you tried calling the Belmar
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Municipality to see if they have any records. I called 732.681.1176 press #9 and then extension 231 and ask for Pat. She said she does have death records for that time period. I don't Freehold has any death certificates there, but they do have a Hall of Records. Robin <delete_this_to_reply_stacy_harris@juno.com> wrote:
What major city would Belmar, New Jersey be located near?
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INS notations on Ships Passenger List
#general
barrychernick@...
I think I have read about this subject in the discussion group at an
earlier time. I have searched the site and can not seem to find the information I am looking for. The notations entered on the ships passenger pages under the occupation column are related to obtaining naturalization papers. What do the numbers mean ? for example 2-769948-8-7-40 and 2-915214 If someone has a good key to search for the past discussion that would be helpful. Barry Chernick Bellevue WA
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Jewish Communal Register
#general
marshall shapiro <mkshapiro@...>
Greetings-
I was able to locate, and inter-library loan through my local public library, a copy of the Jewish Communal register 1917-1918. I found it to be a great and wonderful source of info. I do have a few questions for the group- 1) Was there another register published later? 1920? 1921? 2) I didn't see listing for barber's unions. My grandfather, Jacob Shapiro, was a secretary in the union. Is there another source for that information? 3) My grandfather, Julius Shapiro, was a member of the butcher's union and wanted to know if there was another source for that too. Maybe I was to overwhelmed by the info to see any of those listings. I looked in the index and didn't find their names. Thanks for the help. Marshall Shapiro searching EPSTEIN, SHAPIRO, SATENSTEIN, SCHNEIDER
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen INS notations on Ships Passenger List
#general
barrychernick@...
I think I have read about this subject in the discussion group at an
earlier time. I have searched the site and can not seem to find the information I am looking for. The notations entered on the ships passenger pages under the occupation column are related to obtaining naturalization papers. What do the numbers mean ? for example 2-769948-8-7-40 and 2-915214 If someone has a good key to search for the past discussion that would be helpful. Barry Chernick Bellevue WA
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Jewish Communal Register
#general
marshall shapiro <mkshapiro@...>
Greetings-
I was able to locate, and inter-library loan through my local public library, a copy of the Jewish Communal register 1917-1918. I found it to be a great and wonderful source of info. I do have a few questions for the group- 1) Was there another register published later? 1920? 1921? 2) I didn't see listing for barber's unions. My grandfather, Jacob Shapiro, was a secretary in the union. Is there another source for that information? 3) My grandfather, Julius Shapiro, was a member of the butcher's union and wanted to know if there was another source for that too. Maybe I was to overwhelmed by the info to see any of those listings. I looked in the index and didn't find their names. Thanks for the help. Marshall Shapiro searching EPSTEIN, SHAPIRO, SATENSTEIN, SCHNEIDER
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Dr. Vivian Moses DNA website
#general
The2thdkdr@...
In 1999, Dr. Vivian Moses began a study using DNA to trace the migration
of Ashkenazi Jews. I took part in the study. There is a website which posts the progress of the study. Unfortunately, I lost all my "bookmarks" recently due to a computer problem. Does anyone know URL of the website I am referring too? Wayne Roth Brooklyn, New York
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Call for photographs--immigrant weddings
#general
Blockeliz@...
I am working on a research project for a class in American Studies at
Columbia University. I am interested in photographs of turn-of-the-century immigrant weddings in New York City, particularly the clothing worn by the bride (this could be a formal dress or other outfit). I am focusing on Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but other ethnicities and New York locations are also of interest. The dates can range >from about 1890-1920. If you have any photographs (or artifacts such as actual wedding dresses or outfits, wedding invitations, marriage certificates, gifts inscribed with the wedding date), I would be very interested to hear about them and possibly see them (perhaps by photocopy). If you do not have any photographs or artifacts, but know of a marriage that took place, I would still like to hear about it. Perhaps a relative has told you where a marriage occurred in New York (a synagogue, rabbi's study, church, event hall, restaurant). Thank you very much for your help. Elizabeth Block NY, NY blockeliz@aol.com MODERATOR NOTE: Please respond privately.
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Thank you Re: Joe Lapidus/Goldstone/Stone
#general
Rica Goldberg
Dear All
I am sure I thanked everyone individually for help with the above, but in case I have left anyone out, I would like to say a big Thank You for the help, advice and trouble that many of you out there went to. Rica B Goldberg Manchester, England
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Dr. Vivian Moses DNA website
#general
The2thdkdr@...
In 1999, Dr. Vivian Moses began a study using DNA to trace the migration
of Ashkenazi Jews. I took part in the study. There is a website which posts the progress of the study. Unfortunately, I lost all my "bookmarks" recently due to a computer problem. Does anyone know URL of the website I am referring too? Wayne Roth Brooklyn, New York
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Call for photographs--immigrant weddings
#general
Blockeliz@...
I am working on a research project for a class in American Studies at
Columbia University. I am interested in photographs of turn-of-the-century immigrant weddings in New York City, particularly the clothing worn by the bride (this could be a formal dress or other outfit). I am focusing on Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but other ethnicities and New York locations are also of interest. The dates can range >from about 1890-1920. If you have any photographs (or artifacts such as actual wedding dresses or outfits, wedding invitations, marriage certificates, gifts inscribed with the wedding date), I would be very interested to hear about them and possibly see them (perhaps by photocopy). If you do not have any photographs or artifacts, but know of a marriage that took place, I would still like to hear about it. Perhaps a relative has told you where a marriage occurred in New York (a synagogue, rabbi's study, church, event hall, restaurant). Thank you very much for your help. Elizabeth Block NY, NY blockeliz@aol.com MODERATOR NOTE: Please respond privately.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Thank you Re: Joe Lapidus/Goldstone/Stone
#general
Rica Goldberg
Dear All
I am sure I thanked everyone individually for help with the above, but in case I have left anyone out, I would like to say a big Thank You for the help, advice and trouble that many of you out there went to. Rica B Goldberg Manchester, England
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Re: Cleaning up Baron Hirsch Cemetery, Staten Island?
#general
Kenneth A. Turkewitz <Kenneth.A.Turkewitz@...>
I, too, have contracted poison ivy while doing research at Baron Hirsch
Cemetery on Staten Island. I was trying to crawl beneath my great-grandmother's tombstone, which had been knocked down (along with many others). I, too, was quoted an outrageous amount of money for cleanup and restoration. Perhaps if there are enough of us in this situation, we can help effect a real cleanup. The poison ivy can't be left to continue to run wild, and the condition of that cemetery (which I haven't been to in about five years) shouldn't be left to continue to deteriorate. Anyone have any ideas on how to go about this? Ken Turkewitz Turkewitz@alum.mit.edu MODERATOR NOTE: Please respond privately.
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"es" at the end of Lithuanian Surnames
#general
Gurtler <gurtler@...>
It was suggested to me recently that "es" is commonly added to then end of
Surnames in Lithuania. And so, the name DROSNES ( my maternal great grandmother's family name) may be in fact identical to Drosen (or Drazin or Dreisin or Drizin or another variation) without the "es". Does anyone have any expertise in this matter? Thank, David Gurtler David and Tina Gurtler Jerusalem, Israel gurtler@netvision.net.il
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Naming after family
#general
IsraelP <zach4v6@...>
I would like to recommend William Raspberry's essay "Name Calling"
in today's Washington Post. You can see it on line in the Post's opinion section. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A20619-2000Nov5.html (Needless to say, I have no personal stake in this man's column - other than agreeing with him.) Israel Pickholtz
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Cleaning up Baron Hirsch Cemetery, Staten Island?
#general
Kenneth A. Turkewitz <Kenneth.A.Turkewitz@...>
I, too, have contracted poison ivy while doing research at Baron Hirsch
Cemetery on Staten Island. I was trying to crawl beneath my great-grandmother's tombstone, which had been knocked down (along with many others). I, too, was quoted an outrageous amount of money for cleanup and restoration. Perhaps if there are enough of us in this situation, we can help effect a real cleanup. The poison ivy can't be left to continue to run wild, and the condition of that cemetery (which I haven't been to in about five years) shouldn't be left to continue to deteriorate. Anyone have any ideas on how to go about this? Ken Turkewitz Turkewitz@alum.mit.edu MODERATOR NOTE: Please respond privately.
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