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: Supposed death on board ship coming to NY
#general
Ira Leviton
Dear Cousins,
Rochelle Kaplan asked about finding out whether Philip Weinberg, a baby who was about 6 months old, died en route to America aboard the Noordam, which arrived at Ellis Island on May 23, 1905. Death at sea can be a complicated issue. Of course Rochelle should carefully check the ship manifest for additional information, including the first and last pages. However, that might have only a simple notation like "died at sea." "Pronouncements" of deaths at sea are usually made by a doctor at the ship's next port of call, so the N.Y.C. death vital records should be checked for a death certificate. Keep in mind that there's a chance that the ship may have stopped in Boston or elsewhere before New York - these should be at one end of the manifest pages but the only difference in these pages may be the name of the port written at the top. Saul Issroff pointed out yesterday that if the ship was a British vessel, a report made back across the Atlantic to English authorities as well. I believe that at least for some of the time, this applied only to English citizens, and not to citizens of other countries who were passing through England on their way to America, even if they stayed in England for a while. There are also some previous messages about this subject in the Discussion Group's archives. Ira Ira Leviton New York, N.Y.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Supposed death on board ship coming to NY
#general
Ira Leviton
Dear Cousins,
Rochelle Kaplan asked about finding out whether Philip Weinberg, a baby who was about 6 months old, died en route to America aboard the Noordam, which arrived at Ellis Island on May 23, 1905. Death at sea can be a complicated issue. Of course Rochelle should carefully check the ship manifest for additional information, including the first and last pages. However, that might have only a simple notation like "died at sea." "Pronouncements" of deaths at sea are usually made by a doctor at the ship's next port of call, so the N.Y.C. death vital records should be checked for a death certificate. Keep in mind that there's a chance that the ship may have stopped in Boston or elsewhere before New York - these should be at one end of the manifest pages but the only difference in these pages may be the name of the port written at the top. Saul Issroff pointed out yesterday that if the ship was a British vessel, a report made back across the Atlantic to English authorities as well. I believe that at least for some of the time, this applied only to English citizens, and not to citizens of other countries who were passing through England on their way to America, even if they stayed in England for a while. There are also some previous messages about this subject in the Discussion Group's archives. Ira Ira Leviton New York, N.Y.
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Re: Name change documents, 20th century ?New York
#general
Ira Leviton
Dear Cousins,
Deb Holman asked where to find proof of a name change in New YorkCity. In New York State, name changes can be done in either the civil or criminal divisions of State Supreme Court. In the Civil Division in Manhattan at 111 Center Street in room 118, I remember the ledger or index books being thin, with only one or two years of name changes in each, and they must be requested at a window, so the procedure is somewhat cumbersome. At the Criminal Division at 60 Center Street in room 103B, it's easier because many years are in much thicker ledgers. In Kings County (Brooklyn), the situation is similar, with indexes in both court divisions. Estelle Guzik's book "Genealogical Resources in New York" clearly explains where the indices and the records are located. However, it should be noted that the name change process is time-consuming and costs a few dollars in notary and court fees that our immigrant ancestors may not have had. It was cheaper and more convenient to change a name just by calling oneself something different, and then, of course, there's no documentation. Decades ago one didn't have to show a driver's license, social security card, or birth certificate to open a bank account or do other 'official' business, so formal name changes weren't required like they are nowadays. Judging >from what is probably millions of people who were born in Eastern Europe but lived in the U.S. with names like Morris, Phillip, Frances, and Sadie, without evidence of a name change, I suspect that the informal method was done far more often. Ira Ira Leviton New York, N.Y.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Name change documents, 20th century ?New York
#general
Ira Leviton
Dear Cousins,
Deb Holman asked where to find proof of a name change in New YorkCity. In New York State, name changes can be done in either the civil or criminal divisions of State Supreme Court. In the Civil Division in Manhattan at 111 Center Street in room 118, I remember the ledger or index books being thin, with only one or two years of name changes in each, and they must be requested at a window, so the procedure is somewhat cumbersome. At the Criminal Division at 60 Center Street in room 103B, it's easier because many years are in much thicker ledgers. In Kings County (Brooklyn), the situation is similar, with indexes in both court divisions. Estelle Guzik's book "Genealogical Resources in New York" clearly explains where the indices and the records are located. However, it should be noted that the name change process is time-consuming and costs a few dollars in notary and court fees that our immigrant ancestors may not have had. It was cheaper and more convenient to change a name just by calling oneself something different, and then, of course, there's no documentation. Decades ago one didn't have to show a driver's license, social security card, or birth certificate to open a bank account or do other 'official' business, so formal name changes weren't required like they are nowadays. Judging >from what is probably millions of people who were born in Eastern Europe but lived in the U.S. with names like Morris, Phillip, Frances, and Sadie, without evidence of a name change, I suspect that the informal method was done far more often. Ira Ira Leviton New York, N.Y.
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JOWBR Update Announcement Correction
#general
I want to apologize for an error I made in attribution for one of the
noteworthy additions to JOWBR. The records >from the Home of Peace Cemetery & Emanu-El Mausoleum in Colma, CA. were submitted by Pierre Hahn and Rosanne Leeson >from The San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society (SFBAJGS) http://www.jewishgen.org/sfbajgs/ My apologies to Rosanne and Pierre and thanks to ALL of you who pointed it out to us. :} Nolan Altman
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen JOWBR Update Announcement Correction
#general
I want to apologize for an error I made in attribution for one of the
noteworthy additions to JOWBR. The records >from the Home of Peace Cemetery & Emanu-El Mausoleum in Colma, CA. were submitted by Pierre Hahn and Rosanne Leeson >from The San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society (SFBAJGS) http://www.jewishgen.org/sfbajgs/ My apologies to Rosanne and Pierre and thanks to ALL of you who pointed it out to us. :} Nolan Altman
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Re: Language barrier
#general
Alexander Sharon
Agnes Sotet- Sonnenfeld wrote
During my research I found that in Hungary there are many people who would like to find their "lost" relatives, yet they can't join Jewish Gen because they don't speak English. snip.. Dear Agnes, JGFF (Jewish Genealogy Family Finder) is available for a number of years, beside the English, in Spanish, French, Spanish and Hebrew. Please visit JGFF home page and review language options at the bottom of the screen under: JGFF FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the JGFF http://www.jewishgen.org/jgff/ It would be abviously nice if SIG (Special Interest Groups) administration folks will provide basic instructions to allow people to navigate their respective sites.in their respective native languages. Best Regards, Alexander Sharon JGFF Editor
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Language barrier
#general
Alexander Sharon
Agnes Sotet- Sonnenfeld wrote
During my research I found that in Hungary there are many people who would like to find their "lost" relatives, yet they can't join Jewish Gen because they don't speak English. snip.. Dear Agnes, JGFF (Jewish Genealogy Family Finder) is available for a number of years, beside the English, in Spanish, French, Spanish and Hebrew. Please visit JGFF home page and review language options at the bottom of the screen under: JGFF FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the JGFF http://www.jewishgen.org/jgff/ It would be abviously nice if SIG (Special Interest Groups) administration folks will provide basic instructions to allow people to navigate their respective sites.in their respective native languages. Best Regards, Alexander Sharon JGFF Editor
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Otto KRAUS of Newark, New Jersey
#general
Paul Lewis <pmlewis6391@...>
I am searching for information about Otto Kraus. He lived in Newark, New
Jersey in the 1930's and 40's and owned Associated Food Stores. He had a son who attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, and graduated in the late 1930's or early 1940's. He then joined the Navy and served on the USS Yorktown. He was lucky enough to be off the USS Yorktown just before it was sunk at Midway in June 1942. Either Otto or his wife was related to a Bessie Waldman Klein who lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania. If you know anything about this family or their descendants please contact me privately. Thank you. Paul Lewis pmlewis6391@...
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Otto KRAUS of Newark, New Jersey
#general
Paul Lewis <pmlewis6391@...>
I am searching for information about Otto Kraus. He lived in Newark, New
Jersey in the 1930's and 40's and owned Associated Food Stores. He had a son who attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, and graduated in the late 1930's or early 1940's. He then joined the Navy and served on the USS Yorktown. He was lucky enough to be off the USS Yorktown just before it was sunk at Midway in June 1942. Either Otto or his wife was related to a Bessie Waldman Klein who lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania. If you know anything about this family or their descendants please contact me privately. Thank you. Paul Lewis pmlewis6391@...
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Re: Viewmate 1385
#general
Ian Singer <iansinger@...>
Ava Cohn wrote:
I wish to clear up a misconception that our ancestors were not fashionablyBut if you look on my website where it shows movies I have been in it shows me formally dressed in a jacket and a hat similar to a bowler with my twin. Well it was posed and I do not have a twin unless they are my doppelganger. I also have pictures of women that look like they are formally dressed and in fact it was just a wrap. AND we have all seen pictures of someone in stocks. Sometimes what you see just is not real. Ian Singer
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Viewmate 1385
#general
Ian Singer <iansinger@...>
Ava Cohn wrote:
I wish to clear up a misconception that our ancestors were not fashionablyBut if you look on my website where it shows movies I have been in it shows me formally dressed in a jacket and a hat similar to a bowler with my twin. Well it was posed and I do not have a twin unless they are my doppelganger. I also have pictures of women that look like they are formally dressed and in fact it was just a wrap. AND we have all seen pictures of someone in stocks. Sometimes what you see just is not real. Ian Singer
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Translation fron Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian
#general
L. K. <lkorekh@...>
Shalom everyone:
Recently, a Genner asked for help in translating a Russian document. I am happy to translate >from Russian, Ukrainian or Belorussian to English for anyone who needs my help. Shalom u'vraha, Leonid (Levy) MODERATOR NOTE: Readers seeking assistance should contact Leonid privately and ascertain under what conditions Leonid's help is offered
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Translation fron Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian
#general
L. K. <lkorekh@...>
Shalom everyone:
Recently, a Genner asked for help in translating a Russian document. I am happy to translate >from Russian, Ukrainian or Belorussian to English for anyone who needs my help. Shalom u'vraha, Leonid (Levy) MODERATOR NOTE: Readers seeking assistance should contact Leonid privately and ascertain under what conditions Leonid's help is offered
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UK Jewish immigrants?
#unitedkingdom
nomietai@...
For a research project, I am seeking a representative number of people-- men,
women, adults, children, Sephardic or Ashkenazi--whose ancestors/family immigrated to England between 1750- 1948... ideal candidates would be knowledgeable about his/her roots, and be willing to share stories and photos. Did your ancestors escape the 1882 Odessa Pogrom? Were they among the first Sephardic Jews to arrive in the 1700s? Did they arrive on Kindertransport, then settle in? Did members of your family immigrate to the UK >from Bessarabia, Belarussia, Slovakia, then emigrate to Canada, Israel, or Australia? Was the UK a way-stop to America? Any other scenarios are warmly welcomed. Please contact me privately. All responses are gratefully accepted! AUTHOR, Between Galicia and Hungary: The Jews of Stropkov Melody Amsel-Arieli RESEARCHING Slovakia: Amsel, Schonfeld, Baum, Landau,Einhorn,Ritter Bessarabia: Zazulia, Morgenstern,Cushilevitz,Pollak Galicia: Einstein WEBSITE, http://amselbird.tripod.com/ MODERATORS NOTE: May I suggest you contact http://www.jewishgen.org/CURE/Contact.asp?to=59358LM to describe your project and see if it could be published on the JCR-UK site. It appears to be the type of project that would be of particular interest to our members.
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JCR-UK SIG #UnitedKingdom UK Jewish immigrants?
#unitedkingdom
nomietai@...
For a research project, I am seeking a representative number of people-- men,
women, adults, children, Sephardic or Ashkenazi--whose ancestors/family immigrated to England between 1750- 1948... ideal candidates would be knowledgeable about his/her roots, and be willing to share stories and photos. Did your ancestors escape the 1882 Odessa Pogrom? Were they among the first Sephardic Jews to arrive in the 1700s? Did they arrive on Kindertransport, then settle in? Did members of your family immigrate to the UK >from Bessarabia, Belarussia, Slovakia, then emigrate to Canada, Israel, or Australia? Was the UK a way-stop to America? Any other scenarios are warmly welcomed. Please contact me privately. All responses are gratefully accepted! AUTHOR, Between Galicia and Hungary: The Jews of Stropkov Melody Amsel-Arieli RESEARCHING Slovakia: Amsel, Schonfeld, Baum, Landau,Einhorn,Ritter Bessarabia: Zazulia, Morgenstern,Cushilevitz,Pollak Galicia: Einstein WEBSITE, http://amselbird.tripod.com/ MODERATORS NOTE: May I suggest you contact http://www.jewishgen.org/CURE/Contact.asp?to=59358LM to describe your project and see if it could be published on the JCR-UK site. It appears to be the type of project that would be of particular interest to our members.
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Radio inteview with Howard Margol on 101.9CHAI FM
#southafrica
Ronnie Mink
I feel sure that some members of the South African SIG may be interested in tuning
in to the following radio-show that will be aired on Sunday, January 10th 2010. Although it emanates >from Johannesburg, South Africa, it can easily be heard via audio-streaming. The show is called ".....The Rest is History" and is hosted by Ronnie Mink. It airs every Sunday >from 6 - 8 pm local time, (GMT +2 hours), and the guest this coming Sunday (January 10th, 2010) is the celebrated genealogist, HOWARD MARGOL , the Past President of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and of LitvakSIG. The main theme of the interview will centre around Lithuanian Jewry, and the issues to be covered, among others will include aspects of research such as : "How to research our Lithuanian origins", "What can JewishGen offer the researcher setting out on his task?","Utilising archival material, either local or >from Lithuania, and how to access the latter", "Holocaust and post-Holocaust records", the "Lithuanian internal passport'and finally, tours to Lithuania today. To tune in to this discussion >from anywhere in the global village via audio-streaming, simply go to CHAI FM's website at : www.chaifm.com and follow the simple instructions on their home page (It simply requires one click of the mouse!) Should you wish to call-in at any time during the programme, you are welcome to do so. Details of the phone numbers to dial will be given during the course of the show. Date : Sunday, January 10 2010. Time : 6-8 pm South African and Israel time, 11am-1pm EST 4-6pm if you're in London. Sincerely Ronnie Mink
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South Africa SIG #SouthAfrica Radio inteview with Howard Margol on 101.9CHAI FM
#southafrica
Ronnie Mink
I feel sure that some members of the South African SIG may be interested in tuning
in to the following radio-show that will be aired on Sunday, January 10th 2010. Although it emanates >from Johannesburg, South Africa, it can easily be heard via audio-streaming. The show is called ".....The Rest is History" and is hosted by Ronnie Mink. It airs every Sunday >from 6 - 8 pm local time, (GMT +2 hours), and the guest this coming Sunday (January 10th, 2010) is the celebrated genealogist, HOWARD MARGOL , the Past President of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and of LitvakSIG. The main theme of the interview will centre around Lithuanian Jewry, and the issues to be covered, among others will include aspects of research such as : "How to research our Lithuanian origins", "What can JewishGen offer the researcher setting out on his task?","Utilising archival material, either local or >from Lithuania, and how to access the latter", "Holocaust and post-Holocaust records", the "Lithuanian internal passport'and finally, tours to Lithuania today. To tune in to this discussion >from anywhere in the global village via audio-streaming, simply go to CHAI FM's website at : www.chaifm.com and follow the simple instructions on their home page (It simply requires one click of the mouse!) Should you wish to call-in at any time during the programme, you are welcome to do so. Details of the phone numbers to dial will be given during the course of the show. Date : Sunday, January 10 2010. Time : 6-8 pm South African and Israel time, 11am-1pm EST 4-6pm if you're in London. Sincerely Ronnie Mink
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Chai FM interview - South African Jewish genealogy
#southafrica
Saul Issroff <saul65@...>
I am being interviewed by Kathy Kaler MONDAY 11 Jan for the slot of
11.10 - 11.55 am. It will be broadcast live as part of their daily weekday magazine show, In Your Element on 101.9 Chai FM. The subject of the interview will be South African Jewish genealogy, the SA-Special Interest Group of JewishGen, Lithuanian roots and the Holocaust in Lithuania. This is a Jewish community radio station and also Johannesburg's third talk station and the only Jewish talk station outside of Israel. That said, we also have many listeners tuning in to the station via audio stream >from our website www.chaifm.com <http://www.chaifm.com>. The show can be accessed on the radio on the frequency 101.9 FM. in the Johannesburg area. For streaming audio country- and worldwide, it can be accessed on http://www.chaifm.com . -- Regards Saul Issroff *** Moderator note: The time given is SA time, which is GMT+2.
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South Africa SIG #SouthAfrica Chai FM interview - South African Jewish genealogy
#southafrica
Saul Issroff <saul65@...>
I am being interviewed by Kathy Kaler MONDAY 11 Jan for the slot of
11.10 - 11.55 am. It will be broadcast live as part of their daily weekday magazine show, In Your Element on 101.9 Chai FM. The subject of the interview will be South African Jewish genealogy, the SA-Special Interest Group of JewishGen, Lithuanian roots and the Holocaust in Lithuania. This is a Jewish community radio station and also Johannesburg's third talk station and the only Jewish talk station outside of Israel. That said, we also have many listeners tuning in to the station via audio stream >from our website www.chaifm.com <http://www.chaifm.com>. The show can be accessed on the radio on the frequency 101.9 FM. in the Johannesburg area. For streaming audio country- and worldwide, it can be accessed on http://www.chaifm.com . -- Regards Saul Issroff *** Moderator note: The time given is SA time, which is GMT+2.
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