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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Sam Eneman <seneman@...>
We are excited to announce a new and improved ViewMate, incorporating
many new features based on user input. Look for this version to "go live" on Sunday, March 9, 2008. Please visit ViewMate at: http://data.jewishgen.org/viewmate New enhancements to ViewMate include: * Improved image upload facility * Ability to review the image, rotate it if needed, and edit the form information BEFORE submission * Thumbnail image ALT tags on the Image Gallery Page show the information in the "Help Needed" field * New "My ViewMate Administration Centre" for managing and editing your submissions * You can change the category after posting if necessary * You can request extensions for your image to be viewed * You can remove a posting after you have received the translation, answer to your question, etc. BEFORE the end of the 7 day view period * Related to that: Ability for images removed early to be moved directly to the Archive * You can can preview the responses/translations and mark them for inclusion or not when your posting gets moved to the Archive * You can request an item that has been moved to the Archive be reposted * Translators can enter their text directly online and you will be informed via email * In the Archive, approved responses are displayed along with the original request for help * Additional ways to search or browse the Archive. Like the JGFF database: -- Search only for entries added/changed since a certain month and year -- Option to browse by oldest or newest entries first We hope you enjoy these new features and find that they make ViewMate a more valuable resource. Thanks, Sam Eneman ViewMate Admin John Berman Webmaster
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Josh Flapan <freedom155@...>
Please view Polish letter >from the Polish Archive
and translate it. Please go to http://data.jewishgen.org/viewmate and click on the "To View" button. Then double click on #VM 11382. Please send the translation to freedom155@yahoo.com. Thanks for any help. Joshua Flapan
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Sam Eneman <seneman@...>
We are excited to announce a new and improved ViewMate, incorporating
many new features based on user input. Look for this version to "go live" on Sunday, March 9, 2008. Please visit ViewMate at: http://data.jewishgen.org/viewmate New enhancements to ViewMate include: * Improved image upload facility * Ability to review the image, rotate it if needed, and edit the form information BEFORE submission * Thumbnail image ALT tags on the Image Gallery Page show the information in the "Help Needed" field * New "My ViewMate Administration Centre" for managing and editing your submissions * You can change the category after posting if necessary * You can request extensions for your image to be viewed * You can remove a posting after you have received the translation, answer to your question, etc. BEFORE the end of the 7 day view period * Related to that: Ability for images removed early to be moved directly to the Archive * You can can preview the responses/translations and mark them for inclusion or not when your posting gets moved to the Archive * You can request an item that has been moved to the Archive be reposted * Translators can enter their text directly online and you will be informed via email * In the Archive, approved responses are displayed along with the original request for help * Additional ways to search or browse the Archive. Like the JGFF database: -- Search only for entries added/changed since a certain month and year -- Option to browse by oldest or newest entries first We hope you enjoy these new features and find that they make ViewMate a more valuable resource. Thanks, Sam Eneman ViewMate Admin John Berman Webmaster
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Josh Flapan <freedom155@...>
Please view Polish letter >from the Polish Archive
and translate it. Please go to http://data.jewishgen.org/viewmate and click on the "To View" button. Then double click on #VM 11382. Please send the translation to freedom155@yahoo.com. Thanks for any help. Joshua Flapan
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Gary Mokotoff: <mokotoff@...>
Calling all genealogists,
The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) has a special fund called the Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Grant Fund and every genealogist should be nominating a non-profit organization for this very special grant. The funds received by your favorite organization can be used to pursue projects, activities and acquisitions that provide new or enhanced resources to benefit Jewish genealogists all over the world. Imagine what your favorite archives or library could do with a grant of $2000 if they receive the grant. Grants are awarded to institutions not individuals. Since 1991 over $30,000 has been given to projects such as digitizing and indexing 400,000 naturalization records >from Montreal, indexing 25,000 tuberculosis patient files >from 1904 to 1920 in Denver, computerization of Russian Holocaust victims lists, assistance in digitizing Pages of Testimony at Yad Vashem, and many more projects (see the full list at www.iajgs.org/awards_files/stern.html). The list of institutions who have received the grant read like the Who's Who of Jewish Genealogical Sources. The Malcolm Stern Grant honors Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern and his efforts to increase the availability of resources for Jewish genealogical research. The intention of the Grant is to encourage institutions to pursue projects, activities and acquisitions that provide new or enhanced resources to benefit Jewish genealogists. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rabbi Stern and his spirit lives in each and every Jewish genealogist as they pursue his life-long passion of spreading Jewish learning through knowledge of our families. The 2008 Stern Grant committee is now accepting nominations. The deadline for receipt of nominations is April 1, 2008. Go to www.iajgs.org for information about nominating and other details of this important grant. Announcement of recipients will be made at the annual IAJGS conference in Chicago in August 2008. Nominations must be sent to the committee chair: Eileen Polakoff at eileenpolakoff@att.net. If you are a society or SIG member please contact your leadership and ask them to get involved. Thanking you in advance for spreading the word about this important IAJGS activity. Eileen Polakoff, Chair Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Grant Fund Members: Alan Greenberg and Hadassah Lipsius All nominations will be confirmed to make sure none get "lost in the mail."
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mark
Dear genners. I am still searching without any progress Wajsenberg >from
Zelechow, Warsaw, Shevelev- Belorussia, Brandwajn >from Ostrog, Zdolbunov. Bejzman >from Novograd Volyskiy-Zvill. Any idea please. Wajsenberg Mark Israel mark306@bezeqint.net
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ANNE LEE <information@...>
We begin this update with a reminder that the deadline for being eligible
for 5 free hotel nights during the conference is coming up quickly. This terrific prize is worth more than $1,000.00. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do is register for the conference AND make your hotel reservation before March 15. More details can be found at www.chicago2008.org Don't miss this chance to be a winner! The Conference Discussion group is up and running. Don't delay in signing up so you can ask questions and join in the discussion. To learn how to join, click on the "Conference Discussion Group" button at www.chicago2008.org Avotaynu has published two articles about the conference. The first appeared in the Fall 2007 issue and highlights the long and interesting Jewish history of Chicago. The second appears in the just-mailed issue (Winter 2007) and describes research resources in Chicago. Check them out to learn more and prepare for doing research while attending the conference. The program for the conference is most definitely shaping up. We had an overwhelming number of proposals and the program committee had to make very hard choices. There will be an exciting array of topics covered in over 150 presentations by at least 100 speakers. Stay turned as we release specific information over the next few weeks about the program. We look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago! On behalf of the IAJGS and our co-hosts, JGS of Illinois and Illiana JGS, Anne Feder Lee Mike Posnick Joel Spector Conference Co-Chairs
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Gary Mokotoff: <mokotoff@...>
Calling all genealogists,
The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) has a special fund called the Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Grant Fund and every genealogist should be nominating a non-profit organization for this very special grant. The funds received by your favorite organization can be used to pursue projects, activities and acquisitions that provide new or enhanced resources to benefit Jewish genealogists all over the world. Imagine what your favorite archives or library could do with a grant of $2000 if they receive the grant. Grants are awarded to institutions not individuals. Since 1991 over $30,000 has been given to projects such as digitizing and indexing 400,000 naturalization records >from Montreal, indexing 25,000 tuberculosis patient files >from 1904 to 1920 in Denver, computerization of Russian Holocaust victims lists, assistance in digitizing Pages of Testimony at Yad Vashem, and many more projects (see the full list at www.iajgs.org/awards_files/stern.html). The list of institutions who have received the grant read like the Who's Who of Jewish Genealogical Sources. The Malcolm Stern Grant honors Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern and his efforts to increase the availability of resources for Jewish genealogical research. The intention of the Grant is to encourage institutions to pursue projects, activities and acquisitions that provide new or enhanced resources to benefit Jewish genealogists. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rabbi Stern and his spirit lives in each and every Jewish genealogist as they pursue his life-long passion of spreading Jewish learning through knowledge of our families. The 2008 Stern Grant committee is now accepting nominations. The deadline for receipt of nominations is April 1, 2008. Go to www.iajgs.org for information about nominating and other details of this important grant. Announcement of recipients will be made at the annual IAJGS conference in Chicago in August 2008. Nominations must be sent to the committee chair: Eileen Polakoff at eileenpolakoff@att.net. If you are a society or SIG member please contact your leadership and ask them to get involved. Thanking you in advance for spreading the word about this important IAJGS activity. Eileen Polakoff, Chair Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Grant Fund Members: Alan Greenberg and Hadassah Lipsius All nominations will be confirmed to make sure none get "lost in the mail."
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mark
Dear genners. I am still searching without any progress Wajsenberg >from
Zelechow, Warsaw, Shevelev- Belorussia, Brandwajn >from Ostrog, Zdolbunov. Bejzman >from Novograd Volyskiy-Zvill. Any idea please. Wajsenberg Mark Israel mark306@bezeqint.net
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ANNE LEE <information@...>
We begin this update with a reminder that the deadline for being eligible
for 5 free hotel nights during the conference is coming up quickly. This terrific prize is worth more than $1,000.00. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do is register for the conference AND make your hotel reservation before March 15. More details can be found at www.chicago2008.org Don't miss this chance to be a winner! The Conference Discussion group is up and running. Don't delay in signing up so you can ask questions and join in the discussion. To learn how to join, click on the "Conference Discussion Group" button at www.chicago2008.org Avotaynu has published two articles about the conference. The first appeared in the Fall 2007 issue and highlights the long and interesting Jewish history of Chicago. The second appears in the just-mailed issue (Winter 2007) and describes research resources in Chicago. Check them out to learn more and prepare for doing research while attending the conference. The program for the conference is most definitely shaping up. We had an overwhelming number of proposals and the program committee had to make very hard choices. There will be an exciting array of topics covered in over 150 presentations by at least 100 speakers. Stay turned as we release specific information over the next few weeks about the program. We look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago! On behalf of the IAJGS and our co-hosts, JGS of Illinois and Illiana JGS, Anne Feder Lee Mike Posnick Joel Spector Conference Co-Chairs
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Jessie ARTENSTEIN
#poland
KethZerdin@...
I am trying to locate the birth certificate of my step grandmother Jessie
ARTENSTEIN. I know that she was born in Poland, possibly in Chorzele. Can anyone suggest what Jewish name would have been changed to Jessie in England in the early part of 20th century Keith Zerdin - London KIKMAN, KAUFMAN, KEILER KELLER, >from Zbojna, Lomza ZAWADSKY, ZAVADSKY >from Poland RICHENBERG, RIECHENBERG >from Poland
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JRI Poland #Poland Jessie ARTENSTEIN
#poland
KethZerdin@...
I am trying to locate the birth certificate of my step grandmother Jessie
ARTENSTEIN. I know that she was born in Poland, possibly in Chorzele. Can anyone suggest what Jewish name would have been changed to Jessie in England in the early part of 20th century Keith Zerdin - London KIKMAN, KAUFMAN, KEILER KELLER, >from Zbojna, Lomza ZAWADSKY, ZAVADSKY >from Poland RICHENBERG, RIECHENBERG >from Poland
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Name Help Please -- a clarification
#poland
Rachel Poole <rachel.poole3@...>
Dear all
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Apologies and thanks to all that have responded but some unseen Spell check seems to have kicked in - the names below should have read Hebrew "Yehonoson b'r Yehonotan" in Russian "Nusen son of Shiya" Any help with any Polish variations gratefully received Many thanks Rachel Poole England
-----Original Message-----
From: Rachel Poole [mailto:rachel.poole3@ntlworld.com] Sent: 28 February 2008 22:19 HI Can anyone help me please. I have discovered that my ggf came >from Russian Poland; In England he was known as John Silver, his Hebrew name was Kerhonkson bar Neonatal. It seems in Russian this would be Unseen son of Shiva. To further add to the search I have just received my gm marriage authorisation and whilst she was born in England as Esther Rose SILVER, on the marriage authorisation it gives her surname as SIENER I have tried searching the databases but am not coming up with anything I can make sense of. Can anyone suggest what the "Polish" name may have been? Regards Rachel Poole England
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JRI Poland #Poland Name Help Please -- a clarification
#poland
Rachel Poole <rachel.poole3@...>
Dear all
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Apologies and thanks to all that have responded but some unseen Spell check seems to have kicked in - the names below should have read Hebrew "Yehonoson b'r Yehonotan" in Russian "Nusen son of Shiya" Any help with any Polish variations gratefully received Many thanks Rachel Poole England
-----Original Message-----
From: Rachel Poole [mailto:rachel.poole3@ntlworld.com] Sent: 28 February 2008 22:19 HI Can anyone help me please. I have discovered that my ggf came >from Russian Poland; In England he was known as John Silver, his Hebrew name was Kerhonkson bar Neonatal. It seems in Russian this would be Unseen son of Shiva. To further add to the search I have just received my gm marriage authorisation and whilst she was born in England as Esther Rose SILVER, on the marriage authorisation it gives her surname as SIENER I have tried searching the databases but am not coming up with anything I can make sense of. Can anyone suggest what the "Polish" name may have been? Regards Rachel Poole England
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Antolept
#lithuania
Shirley Lee <sabl@...>
I am looking for anyone with the last name Brash and/or Antalept >from
the Vilna area. Thanks for any info. Shirley Lee MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please respond privately with family information. Suggestions for research methods or resources may be shared with the list.
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Lithuania SIG #Lithuania Antolept
#lithuania
Shirley Lee <sabl@...>
I am looking for anyone with the last name Brash and/or Antalept >from
the Vilna area. Thanks for any info. Shirley Lee MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please respond privately with family information. Suggestions for research methods or resources may be shared with the list.
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Re: Kelme
#lithuania
Judy Simon
My paternal grandmother was >from a large family with the surname
KELMER >from Zychlin, Poland. The earliest record I have for my KELMER ancestors is Moszek David KELMER, born 1831 in Zychlin. His father, Jakob was born in Strykow, Poland. One of my KELMER great-uncles once told me that the family was originally >from Chelm, and that is how we got the name KELMER. I wish I had asked him if he knew for sure it was Chelm, or could it have been Kelme. I have never been able to sort out which town they really came from, and whichever ancestor left Chelm or Kelme probably left before surnames were adopted. I am still hoping to find a male KELMER descendant to have his Y-DNA tested to see where the ancestors of his matches are from; maybe that would direct my search to one shtetl or the other. Any other suggestions? Judy Simon researching: KELMER, OLSZTAJN >from Zychlin, Poland; LEWKOWICZ from Skierniewice, Poland; MEZELSJO >from Mszczonow, Poland; BROZGOL, KAPELUSHNIK, BAILENSON, SKUTELSKY, MARANSK >from Rezekne, Latvia
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Lithuania SIG #Lithuania re: Kelme
#lithuania
Judy Simon
My paternal grandmother was >from a large family with the surname
KELMER >from Zychlin, Poland. The earliest record I have for my KELMER ancestors is Moszek David KELMER, born 1831 in Zychlin. His father, Jakob was born in Strykow, Poland. One of my KELMER great-uncles once told me that the family was originally >from Chelm, and that is how we got the name KELMER. I wish I had asked him if he knew for sure it was Chelm, or could it have been Kelme. I have never been able to sort out which town they really came from, and whichever ancestor left Chelm or Kelme probably left before surnames were adopted. I am still hoping to find a male KELMER descendant to have his Y-DNA tested to see where the ancestors of his matches are from; maybe that would direct my search to one shtetl or the other. Any other suggestions? Judy Simon researching: KELMER, OLSZTAJN >from Zychlin, Poland; LEWKOWICZ from Skierniewice, Poland; MEZELSJO >from Mszczonow, Poland; BROZGOL, KAPELUSHNIK, BAILENSON, SKUTELSKY, MARANSK >from Rezekne, Latvia
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Israeli reunion of families from Seduva, Lithuania April 21, 2008
#lithuania
DBH12345@...
Families who riginated in Seduva Lithuania are invited to participate in a
meeting at Minka and David Rashkes'(of Blessed Memory) house in Kfar Sirkin. The meeting will take place on Monday April 21, 2008 at 6 p.m... The agenda for the meeting includes sharing memories >from Seduva in the past, tales about Seduva in the present and information about family members living and deceased. Please send this invitation to other families originated in Seduva. If you have pictures >from Seduva and family members - please bring them with you. Please contact me privately for specific personal RSVP information, as well as the full address of the event. David Hoffman DBH12345@aol.com LitvakSIG
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Lithuania SIG #Lithuania Israeli reunion of families from Seduva, Lithuania April 21, 2008
#lithuania
DBH12345@...
Families who riginated in Seduva Lithuania are invited to participate in a
meeting at Minka and David Rashkes'(of Blessed Memory) house in Kfar Sirkin. The meeting will take place on Monday April 21, 2008 at 6 p.m... The agenda for the meeting includes sharing memories >from Seduva in the past, tales about Seduva in the present and information about family members living and deceased. Please send this invitation to other families originated in Seduva. If you have pictures >from Seduva and family members - please bring them with you. Please contact me privately for specific personal RSVP information, as well as the full address of the event. David Hoffman DBH12345@aol.com LitvakSIG
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