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: YIVO Encylopedia of Eastern Europe On-Line
#general
h snillop <snilloph@...>
'a complete picture'?
I inserted the names of the two shtetls >from which both sets of grandparents came (and in one of which my mother was born). There was a nil response to both. Harold Pollins Oxford England snip..This website provides a complete picture of the history and culture of Jews in Eastern Europe >from the beginnings of their settlement in the region to the present. snip...
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen RE: YIVO Encylopedia of Eastern Europe On-Line
#general
h snillop <snilloph@...>
'a complete picture'?
I inserted the names of the two shtetls >from which both sets of grandparents came (and in one of which my mother was born). There was a nil response to both. Harold Pollins Oxford England snip..This website provides a complete picture of the history and culture of Jews in Eastern Europe >from the beginnings of their settlement in the region to the present. snip...
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Re: ViewMate 15713 - 4
#general
Robert Israel <israel@...>
They may be found on
http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=15713 and http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=15714. I'm hoping that someone can translate the Hebrew words. There are some handwritten phrases on the document. If possible, please translate them. snip... I can't help with decyphering the handwriting, but my grandparents' ketubah (>from Winnipeg in October 1904) was on exactly the same form. I'm guessing it was in common use around that time period (and inexpensive). Robert Israel israel@... http://www.math.ubc.ca/~israel University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: ViewMate 15713 - 4
#general
Robert Israel <israel@...>
They may be found on
http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=15713 and http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=15714. I'm hoping that someone can translate the Hebrew words. There are some handwritten phrases on the document. If possible, please translate them. snip... I can't help with decyphering the handwriting, but my grandparents' ketubah (>from Winnipeg in October 1904) was on exactly the same form. I'm guessing it was in common use around that time period (and inexpensive). Robert Israel israel@... http://www.math.ubc.ca/~israel University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Bessarabia Vital Records Update
#ukraine
RobertW252@...
ROM-SIG is proud to announce that the Bessarabia Vital Records database
has been updated. There are now over 135,000 records in the vital records database. You are able to access it through the Romanian database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Romania/ or through the Ukraine database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Ukraine/. This database includes all of the records for Kishinev that we presently have. We will eventually get the records >from the Family History Library that we do not have. ROM-SIG can also use more people who can translate Russian, Hebrew, German or Hungarian to work on different projects. Please contact me if you are interested in working on any of our projects: Bessarabia Vital Records (Bel'tsy) Bessarabia Revision Lists Brasov Vital Records Cehu Silvaniei Vital Records Simleu Silvaniei Vital Records Bob Wascou ROM-SIG Research Coordinator
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Ukraine SIG #Ukraine Bessarabia Vital Records Update
#ukraine
RobertW252@...
ROM-SIG is proud to announce that the Bessarabia Vital Records database
has been updated. There are now over 135,000 records in the vital records database. You are able to access it through the Romanian database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Romania/ or through the Ukraine database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Ukraine/. This database includes all of the records for Kishinev that we presently have. We will eventually get the records >from the Family History Library that we do not have. ROM-SIG can also use more people who can translate Russian, Hebrew, German or Hungarian to work on different projects. Please contact me if you are interested in working on any of our projects: Bessarabia Vital Records (Bel'tsy) Bessarabia Revision Lists Brasov Vital Records Cehu Silvaniei Vital Records Simleu Silvaniei Vital Records Bob Wascou ROM-SIG Research Coordinator
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Bessarabia Vital Records Update
#romania
RobertW252@...
ROM-SIG is proud to announce that the Bessarabia Vital Records database
has been updated. There are now over 135,000 records in the vital records database. You are able to access it through the Romanian database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Romania/ or through the Ukraine database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Ukraine/. This database includes all of the records for Kishinev that we presently have. We will eventually get the records >from the Family History Library that we do not have. ROM-SIG can also use more people who can translate Russian, Hebrew, German or Hungarian to work on different projects. Please contact me if you are interested in working on any of our projects: Bessarabia Vital Records (Bel'tsy) Bessarabia Revision Lists Brasov Vital Records Cehu Silvaniei Vital Records Simleu Silvaniei Vital Records Bob Wascou ROM-SIG Research Coordinator
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Romania SIG #Romania Bessarabia Vital Records Update
#romania
RobertW252@...
ROM-SIG is proud to announce that the Bessarabia Vital Records database
has been updated. There are now over 135,000 records in the vital records database. You are able to access it through the Romanian database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Romania/ or through the Ukraine database at http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Ukraine/. This database includes all of the records for Kishinev that we presently have. We will eventually get the records >from the Family History Library that we do not have. ROM-SIG can also use more people who can translate Russian, Hebrew, German or Hungarian to work on different projects. Please contact me if you are interested in working on any of our projects: Bessarabia Vital Records (Bel'tsy) Bessarabia Revision Lists Brasov Vital Records Cehu Silvaniei Vital Records Simleu Silvaniei Vital Records Bob Wascou ROM-SIG Research Coordinator
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looking for family in South Africa. " SHMUKLER from SZYDLOWIEC in Poland.
#southafrica
Adrian Freedman
Dear Friends
An acquaintance in Israel asks for help in tracing missing relatives in South Africa who came, in his words "to look for diamonds ". The family named SHMUKLER came >from SZYDLOWIEC in Poland. Their destination in South Africa is not known. He does not know first names . He says a branch of the family went to the USA If anyone can help, please pass information on to me and I will be in contact with him Best wishes Adrian Freedman Raanana Israel
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South Africa SIG #SouthAfrica looking for family in South Africa. " SHMUKLER from SZYDLOWIEC in Poland.
#southafrica
Adrian Freedman
Dear Friends
An acquaintance in Israel asks for help in tracing missing relatives in South Africa who came, in his words "to look for diamonds ". The family named SHMUKLER came >from SZYDLOWIEC in Poland. Their destination in South Africa is not known. He does not know first names . He says a branch of the family went to the USA If anyone can help, please pass information on to me and I will be in contact with him Best wishes Adrian Freedman Raanana Israel
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JGS of Colorado Awards
#general
Terry Lasky <talasky@...>
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado was proud to acknowledge
long-time members at our annual meeting last Sunday with "Pillar of Our Society Awards." Congratulations to recipients Sandra Greenberg, Miriam Ohr, Myndel Cohen, Anne Fendrich and RitaJo Tensly. These recipients have been members for most or all of the 15 years of our Society's existence and have been major contributors to our continuing success. JGSCO member Howard Steinmetz was also awarded with a "Spirit of JGSCO" award. Howard's spirit in his genealogical pursuits has been amazing, especially under trying circumstances. His spirit has gone beyond genealogy and has touched a large number of our members in a very special way. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to our organization! Terry Lasky Awards Committee Chairman Centennial, CO
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen JGS of Colorado Awards
#general
Terry Lasky <talasky@...>
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado was proud to acknowledge
long-time members at our annual meeting last Sunday with "Pillar of Our Society Awards." Congratulations to recipients Sandra Greenberg, Miriam Ohr, Myndel Cohen, Anne Fendrich and RitaJo Tensly. These recipients have been members for most or all of the 15 years of our Society's existence and have been major contributors to our continuing success. JGSCO member Howard Steinmetz was also awarded with a "Spirit of JGSCO" award. Howard's spirit in his genealogical pursuits has been amazing, especially under trying circumstances. His spirit has gone beyond genealogy and has touched a large number of our members in a very special way. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to our organization! Terry Lasky Awards Committee Chairman Centennial, CO
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More on autosomal tests
#dna
sbloom@...
It seems to me that there are two ways one can check on the efficacy
of the typical autosomal test that is administered by FTDNA or 23andme (yes, I realize they have somewhat different tests). 1. simulate genetic data (essentially, create genetic data for a simulated family over, say 5 generations or what have you) and run the test on the fake data to see if you can retrieve the known relationships accurately. 2. retrieve genealogical data >from a known and well documented tree and run the tests on folks >from every branch of the tree and see if you retrieve the known relationships. The advantage of (1) is that it is much cheaper and you can change the data set in any number of ways (can make the data more "noisy", can make fake ancestors that are partially related to each other or totally unrelated, etc.). The disadvantage is that you could probably never simulate reality with 100% accuracy. The advantage of (2) is that it is more similar to what the average user of the product wants to be doing. The disadvantage is that probably the company involved will have to subsidize some testing (I think its worth it though). Comments? Steve Bloom Central Virginia
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DNA Research #DNA More on autosomal tests
#dna
sbloom@...
It seems to me that there are two ways one can check on the efficacy
of the typical autosomal test that is administered by FTDNA or 23andme (yes, I realize they have somewhat different tests). 1. simulate genetic data (essentially, create genetic data for a simulated family over, say 5 generations or what have you) and run the test on the fake data to see if you can retrieve the known relationships accurately. 2. retrieve genealogical data >from a known and well documented tree and run the tests on folks >from every branch of the tree and see if you retrieve the known relationships. The advantage of (1) is that it is much cheaper and you can change the data set in any number of ways (can make the data more "noisy", can make fake ancestors that are partially related to each other or totally unrelated, etc.). The disadvantage is that you could probably never simulate reality with 100% accuracy. The advantage of (2) is that it is more similar to what the average user of the product wants to be doing. The disadvantage is that probably the company involved will have to subsidize some testing (I think its worth it though). Comments? Steve Bloom Central Virginia
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Re: More about using Y-DNA testing
#dna
Arline and Sidney Sachs
Jeff Malka wrote:
"But elsewhere on the FTDNA website, when I click on any of my 12 marker exact matches it says it is a 30% possibility at 4 generations - which sounds a lot better! Here is what comes up for any of my exact 12 point matches: In comparing 12 markers, the probability that Mr. ...... and ..... shared a common ancestor within the last... Comparison Chart Generations Percentage 4 33.57% 8 55.88% ..." Those figure are for the general population. Not for persons with Askenazic ancestry where persons with 12 markers matches all have a different surnames. What I did was to add 6 generations to the number of generations above to cover the 200 years since we began using last names. Sidney Sachs
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DNA Research #DNA Re: More about using Y-DNA testing
#dna
Arline and Sidney Sachs
Jeff Malka wrote:
"But elsewhere on the FTDNA website, when I click on any of my 12 marker exact matches it says it is a 30% possibility at 4 generations - which sounds a lot better! Here is what comes up for any of my exact 12 point matches: In comparing 12 markers, the probability that Mr. ...... and ..... shared a common ancestor within the last... Comparison Chart Generations Percentage 4 33.57% 8 55.88% ..." Those figure are for the general population. Not for persons with Askenazic ancestry where persons with 12 markers matches all have a different surnames. What I did was to add 6 generations to the number of generations above to cover the 200 years since we began using last names. Sidney Sachs
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Jewish DNA Research - Samaritans etc
#dna
Martin Davis (com)
Re questions of Jewish peoples (Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Samaritans etc.)
extensive Jewish DNA research work has been undertaken by Doron Behar and colleagues and the latest paper 'The genome-wide structure of the Jewish people' was published in Nature on 9 June 2010. An extract of the paper and some interesting graphs can be found at http://www.tinyurls.co.uk/F5734. [Or http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nature09103.html --Mod.] This may not answer all the questions re the similarities between various Semitic groups but it is another huge leap. There are a number of other papers that are available which give a picture of the matrilineal DNA of the Ashkenazi people and one of these can be found at http://www.familytreedna.com/pdf/43026_Doron.pdf . As a general observation there is now so much now that is available on line re the individual distribution of the classic Ashkenazi Jewish YDNA that we are spoiled for choice. Start off with the Wiki entry on Ashkenazi Jews at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashkenazi_Jews and see where it takes you. Martin Davis - London (UK)
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DNA Research #DNA Jewish DNA Research - Samaritans etc
#dna
Martin Davis (com)
Re questions of Jewish peoples (Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Samaritans etc.)
extensive Jewish DNA research work has been undertaken by Doron Behar and colleagues and the latest paper 'The genome-wide structure of the Jewish people' was published in Nature on 9 June 2010. An extract of the paper and some interesting graphs can be found at http://www.tinyurls.co.uk/F5734. [Or http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nature09103.html --Mod.] This may not answer all the questions re the similarities between various Semitic groups but it is another huge leap. There are a number of other papers that are available which give a picture of the matrilineal DNA of the Ashkenazi people and one of these can be found at http://www.familytreedna.com/pdf/43026_Doron.pdf . As a general observation there is now so much now that is available on line re the individual distribution of the classic Ashkenazi Jewish YDNA that we are spoiled for choice. Start off with the Wiki entry on Ashkenazi Jews at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashkenazi_Jews and see where it takes you. Martin Davis - London (UK)
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Re: cross company DNA comparisons
#dna
Leon Kull <napobo3@...>
David,
you can submit your 23andme results to HIR Search http://hirs.snpology.com to compare them with tested by FTDNA, 23andme and Decodeme. Use the e-mail address near the copyright sign to contact the team. -- Leon Kull Yehud, Israel My wife and I have recently been approached my 23andMe and offered a... David Shapiro
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DNA Research #DNA Re: cross company DNA comparisons
#dna
Leon Kull <napobo3@...>
David,
you can submit your 23andme results to HIR Search http://hirs.snpology.com to compare them with tested by FTDNA, 23andme and Decodeme. Use the e-mail address near the copyright sign to contact the team. -- Leon Kull Yehud, Israel My wife and I have recently been approached my 23andMe and offered a... David Shapiro
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