JewishGen.org Discussion Group FAQs
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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.
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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?
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I like how the current lists work. Will I still be able to send/receive emails of posts (and/or digests)?
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Can I categorize a message? For example, if my message is related to Polish, or Ukraine research, can I indicate as such?
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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
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Sincerely,
The JewishGen.org Team
LA Syllabus
#general
MNewman714@...
From: MNewman714@aol.com (Marilyn Newman)
Not withstanding the fact that the Seminar in LA was the work of a VERY diligent group of LA JGS members, it is the Syllabus that I feel is worthy of mention. It is outstanding and most informative. In addition to details of genealogical research information, it contains excellent overviews of most of the speakers' lectures, the appended surname family finder, reference information sources, the inclusion of contact information of over 70 JGSs and 10 SIGs plus updates >from several liaison groups and a statement >from the Center for Jewish History in New York on its planned Jewish Genealogical Institute to be established in the near future. I plan to incorporate using the Syllabus as part of the program for our Pittsburgh JGS meeting on September 14th. Since I don't want to leave out the names of specific people involved with the compilation of this book and the Seminar, in general, I will just say many thanks to ALL for an excellent job. Marilyn Newman Researching: Geler - Kovno Gubernia, Lith. Eber - Kovno Gubernia, Lith. Sussman - Tirgu Ocna, Romania Greenberg - Moinesti, Romania
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen LA Syllabus
#general
MNewman714@...
From: MNewman714@aol.com (Marilyn Newman)
Not withstanding the fact that the Seminar in LA was the work of a VERY diligent group of LA JGS members, it is the Syllabus that I feel is worthy of mention. It is outstanding and most informative. In addition to details of genealogical research information, it contains excellent overviews of most of the speakers' lectures, the appended surname family finder, reference information sources, the inclusion of contact information of over 70 JGSs and 10 SIGs plus updates >from several liaison groups and a statement >from the Center for Jewish History in New York on its planned Jewish Genealogical Institute to be established in the near future. I plan to incorporate using the Syllabus as part of the program for our Pittsburgh JGS meeting on September 14th. Since I don't want to leave out the names of specific people involved with the compilation of this book and the Seminar, in general, I will just say many thanks to ALL for an excellent job. Marilyn Newman Researching: Geler - Kovno Gubernia, Lith. Eber - Kovno Gubernia, Lith. Sussman - Tirgu Ocna, Romania Greenberg - Moinesti, Romania
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Boxer/Boscka
#general
David Gardner <dgard@...>
I have recently acquired a death certificate for my GGGmother. Her name
is listed as Sophina Boscka (Boxer). The writing is difficult to read. She was born c1861 and married David Becker in 1882. They were married in "Russia" and moved to France and then somehow came to the U.S. in the 1880s. I spoke with a distant cousin who said they were "Litvaks". Does that mean they were >from Lithuania or Latvia or either ? Any information on this Becker/Boxer/Boscka connection would be appreciated. Thanks to all, David Gardner M.D. Ph.D. dgard@earthlink.net K6LPL
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Boxer/Boscka
#general
David Gardner <dgard@...>
I have recently acquired a death certificate for my GGGmother. Her name
is listed as Sophina Boscka (Boxer). The writing is difficult to read. She was born c1861 and married David Becker in 1882. They were married in "Russia" and moved to France and then somehow came to the U.S. in the 1880s. I spoke with a distant cousin who said they were "Litvaks". Does that mean they were >from Lithuania or Latvia or either ? Any information on this Becker/Boxer/Boscka connection would be appreciated. Thanks to all, David Gardner M.D. Ph.D. dgard@earthlink.net K6LPL
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PA Death Index? -- Also "Searching for..."
#general
Ricki L. Zunk <rickiz@...>
Thanks to all of you who wrote to tell me that the State of Pennsylvania
did not have a State census. Now I have another question -- Is there a Death Index for the State of PA? My problem is quite simple: I know my mggparents' approximate years of death (+/- three years), but I cannot narrow down the time frame any more than that right now. That means that my mggf died sometime between the Summer of 1898 thru 1902, and my mggm died some time between 1928-1931. At least those are the times I think they died. I've tried just about every resource I can think of to find any records of them. I know they were in Philly in 1900, but I cannot find them in the 1900 US census. I tired to find them in City Directories for Philly in that era, but was not successful there either. I have a hunch that they were both buried in Har Nebo Cemetery in NE Philly, but the people in the cemetery office tell me that their records are not on computer, and they are not about to go searching through their old ledgers to find burials. So, what's next? I live in Miami, FL, so going to the various resource locations in Philly is out. All I want to know is where and when Hyman (Haskell) COHAN and his wife Ida Raizel Levinsky COHAN arrived in Philly (probably some time between 1891-1895)(they're not on the Phila., or Baltimore passenger lists). I want to know when they actually died, and where they are buried. I'm beginning to think that maybe they were "beamed up" by Scotty. They were there, they did exist. But why can't I find any records of these poor people. I know that they lived near 5th & Cross and 5th & Kater Sts. at one time or another. This is driving me batty. I've been looking for these people since 1976, and every avenue of research I've travelled has wound up as a dead end. Now what?!!!!!! TIA, Ricki Randall Zunk Miami, FL <rickiz@mindspring.com> SEARCHING FOR: COHAN/COPLIN/COPELAND/COPLAND - Lithuania (?); Phila., PA FRIEDMAN - "Petrokov, near Kiev;" Brooklyn, NY GROSS - Kozova, Galicia (now Ukraine) KRAMER - The German speaking part of The Pale; Mt. Joy/Lancaster, PA; Phila., PA; Catskills in NY KURSON/CURSON/CARSON - Apa or Upa (near Riga), Latvia; Phila., PA; Oklahoma; Texas LEVINSKY/LEVINE/BIALAGORSKY - Minsk or Pinsk; Ontario Prov., CAN; Phila., PA; Pittsburgh, PA RENDELSTEIN/RANDALL - Kozova, Tarnopol, Dunayev, and Zborov, Galicia (now Ukraine); greater NYC area SCHNEIDERMAN - "Petrokov, near Kiev;" Brooklyn, NY --and-- EKMAN/FINKELSTEIN - Szumsk, Volhynia; Newark, NJ; Boston, MA FEIGEL/FINKLE - Szumsk, Volhynia; Newark, NJ; Boston, MA TROST - Hrubieszow, Poland; Newark, NJ; Brooklyn, NY; Israel ZUNK - Arudlo (Horodlo), Poland; Newark, NJ
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TABAK TABACK
#general
Mike Ross <nister@...>
I am interested in hearing >from those with the subject surname and more
importantly what their names may have been changed from. I search for the name TABACHOVITZ. Mike Ross
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen PA Death Index? -- Also "Searching for..."
#general
Ricki L. Zunk <rickiz@...>
Thanks to all of you who wrote to tell me that the State of Pennsylvania
did not have a State census. Now I have another question -- Is there a Death Index for the State of PA? My problem is quite simple: I know my mggparents' approximate years of death (+/- three years), but I cannot narrow down the time frame any more than that right now. That means that my mggf died sometime between the Summer of 1898 thru 1902, and my mggm died some time between 1928-1931. At least those are the times I think they died. I've tried just about every resource I can think of to find any records of them. I know they were in Philly in 1900, but I cannot find them in the 1900 US census. I tired to find them in City Directories for Philly in that era, but was not successful there either. I have a hunch that they were both buried in Har Nebo Cemetery in NE Philly, but the people in the cemetery office tell me that their records are not on computer, and they are not about to go searching through their old ledgers to find burials. So, what's next? I live in Miami, FL, so going to the various resource locations in Philly is out. All I want to know is where and when Hyman (Haskell) COHAN and his wife Ida Raizel Levinsky COHAN arrived in Philly (probably some time between 1891-1895)(they're not on the Phila., or Baltimore passenger lists). I want to know when they actually died, and where they are buried. I'm beginning to think that maybe they were "beamed up" by Scotty. They were there, they did exist. But why can't I find any records of these poor people. I know that they lived near 5th & Cross and 5th & Kater Sts. at one time or another. This is driving me batty. I've been looking for these people since 1976, and every avenue of research I've travelled has wound up as a dead end. Now what?!!!!!! TIA, Ricki Randall Zunk Miami, FL <rickiz@mindspring.com> SEARCHING FOR: COHAN/COPLIN/COPELAND/COPLAND - Lithuania (?); Phila., PA FRIEDMAN - "Petrokov, near Kiev;" Brooklyn, NY GROSS - Kozova, Galicia (now Ukraine) KRAMER - The German speaking part of The Pale; Mt. Joy/Lancaster, PA; Phila., PA; Catskills in NY KURSON/CURSON/CARSON - Apa or Upa (near Riga), Latvia; Phila., PA; Oklahoma; Texas LEVINSKY/LEVINE/BIALAGORSKY - Minsk or Pinsk; Ontario Prov., CAN; Phila., PA; Pittsburgh, PA RENDELSTEIN/RANDALL - Kozova, Tarnopol, Dunayev, and Zborov, Galicia (now Ukraine); greater NYC area SCHNEIDERMAN - "Petrokov, near Kiev;" Brooklyn, NY --and-- EKMAN/FINKELSTEIN - Szumsk, Volhynia; Newark, NJ; Boston, MA FEIGEL/FINKLE - Szumsk, Volhynia; Newark, NJ; Boston, MA TROST - Hrubieszow, Poland; Newark, NJ; Brooklyn, NY; Israel ZUNK - Arudlo (Horodlo), Poland; Newark, NJ
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen TABAK TABACK
#general
Mike Ross <nister@...>
I am interested in hearing >from those with the subject surname and more
importantly what their names may have been changed from. I search for the name TABACHOVITZ. Mike Ross
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LA Seminar
#general
Sgirson@...
I've seen a few posting inquiring about the Jewish Genealogical Seminar in Los
Angeles. As an attendee at the seminar, here is a brief perspective >from my viewpoint. First of all, I find that these seminars continue to add to my genealogical education. There were many positive program segments and kudos are to be extended to Ted Gostin, his group and the cast of others who put this seminar together. Archivist, Kaunas Regional Archives. In addition to hearing Vitalija'sfrom my standpoint, the highlight was the visit of Vitalija Gircyte, Chief presentation twice (also in Washington) I had the opportunity to have a consultation and meet her personally. Another important happening was the number of Special Interest Group and birds-of-a-feather meetings. The bulletin board was loaded with meeting notices and there seemed to be a get-together going during the time slots between the formal program schedule. The three I attended were interesting and informative. Getting back to Ms. Gircyte. Her presentation was well prepared and she displayed an excellent knowledge of archival research, especially that which is related to the availability of documents in the Kaunas Archives; plus other Lithuanian archives on a general basis. The hard copy Kaunas Archive catalog she prepared is an excellent reference which includes a variety of record list holdings in the archive. I didn't count the shtetls, but it seemed to cover a lot of territory. The beauty of the catatlog is that it is a work in progress as they are continually finding additional records. During my consultation, Ms. Gircyte conveyed a friendly yet business like approach. She is sincere and left me with a very positive feeling in that she would do whatever she could by going that extra step to help in researching and providing data on our jewish ancestors. Theodore Bikel, although in different categories -- that's pretty goodfrom my perspective, Ms. Gircyte was the headliner on the card along with company! To the powers that be -- I would suggest that we continue to have presenters from other archives on the program at future seminars. Nothing like gettinginformation direct >from the "archival source" to get a better idea of what records may be out there. Lastly, if the archivist is to tour some other cities during their trip, I would suggest that it be publicized in advance to give others the opportunity to hear the presentation. Perhaps, this can be done through the local society, JEWISHGEN, LITVAK SIG, etc. Sam Girson (Silver Spring, MD) Sgirson@aol.com
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen LA Seminar
#general
Sgirson@...
I've seen a few posting inquiring about the Jewish Genealogical Seminar in Los
Angeles. As an attendee at the seminar, here is a brief perspective >from my viewpoint. First of all, I find that these seminars continue to add to my genealogical education. There were many positive program segments and kudos are to be extended to Ted Gostin, his group and the cast of others who put this seminar together. Archivist, Kaunas Regional Archives. In addition to hearing Vitalija'sfrom my standpoint, the highlight was the visit of Vitalija Gircyte, Chief presentation twice (also in Washington) I had the opportunity to have a consultation and meet her personally. Another important happening was the number of Special Interest Group and birds-of-a-feather meetings. The bulletin board was loaded with meeting notices and there seemed to be a get-together going during the time slots between the formal program schedule. The three I attended were interesting and informative. Getting back to Ms. Gircyte. Her presentation was well prepared and she displayed an excellent knowledge of archival research, especially that which is related to the availability of documents in the Kaunas Archives; plus other Lithuanian archives on a general basis. The hard copy Kaunas Archive catalog she prepared is an excellent reference which includes a variety of record list holdings in the archive. I didn't count the shtetls, but it seemed to cover a lot of territory. The beauty of the catatlog is that it is a work in progress as they are continually finding additional records. During my consultation, Ms. Gircyte conveyed a friendly yet business like approach. She is sincere and left me with a very positive feeling in that she would do whatever she could by going that extra step to help in researching and providing data on our jewish ancestors. Theodore Bikel, although in different categories -- that's pretty goodfrom my perspective, Ms. Gircyte was the headliner on the card along with company! To the powers that be -- I would suggest that we continue to have presenters from other archives on the program at future seminars. Nothing like gettinginformation direct >from the "archival source" to get a better idea of what records may be out there. Lastly, if the archivist is to tour some other cities during their trip, I would suggest that it be publicized in advance to give others the opportunity to hear the presentation. Perhaps, this can be done through the local society, JEWISHGEN, LITVAK SIG, etc. Sam Girson (Silver Spring, MD) Sgirson@aol.com
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Credit should go to where credit is due!
#general
Carol Skydell <skydell@...>
Roni Liebowitz <Ronisl@aol.com> writes:
JewishGen Convention in LA ! I can't stay on this computer for long so I'llI'm having computer problems or I would have written about the wonderful just say that those who could not make it, please plan to attend the one in New York next summer. There's something for everyone -- beginners and experts and it's such fun meeting e-mail friends!!<< It's always great to be appreciated, but in this case, we need to clarify...The recent gathering in Los Angeles was not a JewishGen project, but rather the hard work of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles, and it is to them we all direct our thanks and appreciation. JewishGen, a completely separate organization was merely part of the extensive list of presentors invited to participate by the JGSLA. We expect to be in New York when the 1999 seminar is hosted by the JGSNY in August. See you all then! Carol Skydell JewishGen, Inc.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Credit should go to where credit is due!
#general
Carol Skydell <skydell@...>
Roni Liebowitz <Ronisl@aol.com> writes:
JewishGen Convention in LA ! I can't stay on this computer for long so I'llI'm having computer problems or I would have written about the wonderful just say that those who could not make it, please plan to attend the one in New York next summer. There's something for everyone -- beginners and experts and it's such fun meeting e-mail friends!!<< It's always great to be appreciated, but in this case, we need to clarify...The recent gathering in Los Angeles was not a JewishGen project, but rather the hard work of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles, and it is to them we all direct our thanks and appreciation. JewishGen, a completely separate organization was merely part of the extensive list of presentors invited to participate by the JGSLA. We expect to be in New York when the 1999 seminar is hosted by the JGSNY in August. See you all then! Carol Skydell JewishGen, Inc.
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Re: Re : Rocks on tombstones
#general
Stan Goodman <stan@...>
On Sun, 2 Aug 1998 06:00:25, Alexander Serebrenik
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
<alicser@grotto.cs.huji.ac.il> 'llowed: The explanation i heard here, in Israel, is that everything except rocks is mortal (f.e. flowers) - and only stones will remain forever. So does our memory... Best regards, Alexander This is very poetic, but probably not historically meaningful. In many cultures (including ours) it is considered a good deed to take care of burial of the deceased, for very rational reasons. Placing a stone (rock sounds a little ambitious) on a grave is an expression of this good deed, even if the occupant of the grave has been there for centuries; it is grave maintenance, in that case. ------------- Stan Goodman Qiryat Tiv'on Israel Researching:
from Lomza Gubernia in Russian Poland: Nowicki, Neimark.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Re : Rocks on tombstones
#general
Stan Goodman <stan@...>
On Sun, 2 Aug 1998 06:00:25, Alexander Serebrenik
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
<alicser@grotto.cs.huji.ac.il> 'llowed: The explanation i heard here, in Israel, is that everything except rocks is mortal (f.e. flowers) - and only stones will remain forever. So does our memory... Best regards, Alexander This is very poetic, but probably not historically meaningful. In many cultures (including ours) it is considered a good deed to take care of burial of the deceased, for very rational reasons. Placing a stone (rock sounds a little ambitious) on a grave is an expression of this good deed, even if the occupant of the grave has been there for centuries; it is grave maintenance, in that case. ------------- Stan Goodman Qiryat Tiv'on Israel Researching:
from Lomza Gubernia in Russian Poland: Nowicki, Neimark.
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Re: Origins of TEPPER, TOPPER, TOEPPFER, etc.
#general
Stan Goodman <stan@...>
On Sun, 2 Aug 1998 14:38:08, Unofficial Tepper Group ListOwner
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
<UTG.ListOwner@iname.com> 'llowed: Hello all, I recently noticed (don't remember where, but I believe it was JewishGen) someone asked the origins of the name Tepermos - which was discovered to be a Yiddish pottering measure. I was wondering if anyone knows the origin of Tepper, Teper, etc., which I assume would be similar in some way to Tepermos. Why is this difficult? German for 'pot' is 'topf', so that 'potter' is 'topfer' (with an umlaut over the 'o'). Yiddish is not very careful with vowels, and certainly knows nothing about umlauts, so its phonetic approximation is 'e'; it also routinely simplifies 'pf' to 'p'. That produces Tepper = Potter. 'Tepperman' is left as a home exercise. ------------- Stan Goodman Qiryat Tiv'on Israel Researching:
from Lomza Gubernia in Russian Poland: Nowicki, Neimark.
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Origins of TEPPER, TOPPER, TOEPPFER, etc.
#general
Stan Goodman <stan@...>
On Sun, 2 Aug 1998 14:38:08, Unofficial Tepper Group ListOwner
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
<UTG.ListOwner@iname.com> 'llowed: Hello all, I recently noticed (don't remember where, but I believe it was JewishGen) someone asked the origins of the name Tepermos - which was discovered to be a Yiddish pottering measure. I was wondering if anyone knows the origin of Tepper, Teper, etc., which I assume would be similar in some way to Tepermos. Why is this difficult? German for 'pot' is 'topf', so that 'potter' is 'topfer' (with an umlaut over the 'o'). Yiddish is not very careful with vowels, and certainly knows nothing about umlauts, so its phonetic approximation is 'e'; it also routinely simplifies 'pf' to 'p'. That produces Tepper = Potter. 'Tepperman' is left as a home exercise. ------------- Stan Goodman Qiryat Tiv'on Israel Researching:
from Lomza Gubernia in Russian Poland: Nowicki, Neimark.
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New York newspapers 1922/23 - Thanks
#general
Alan Karbritz <AlanK@...>
Just a brief note to thank all the JewishGenners who replied to my posting.
As usual, the replies received were accurate and arrived almost instantly. Thanks again. Alan Karbritz. ------------------------------------------------------------------- *Alan Karbritz* Email AlanK@martinslowe.demon.co.uk London UK
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen New York newspapers 1922/23 - Thanks
#general
Alan Karbritz <AlanK@...>
Just a brief note to thank all the JewishGenners who replied to my posting.
As usual, the replies received were accurate and arrived almost instantly. Thanks again. Alan Karbritz. ------------------------------------------------------------------- *Alan Karbritz* Email AlanK@martinslowe.demon.co.uk London UK
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Searching the LEVENE family - London
#general
Darryl Mydat <Darryl.Mydat@...>
I am searching for the descendents of the Levene family in London, the
information I have is as follows: Louis Levene m Annie Mydat Children: Abe Levene m Minnie Kosky. Children Yvonne Levene,Sonia Levene & Andrew Levene Joe Levene m Golda Levene ( His Step sister) Child Marsha Levene Eddie Levene died in his 20's Does this ring any bells ? TIA Darryl Mydat
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Looking for DURRA.
#general
Durra <meldrum@...>
Searching for: DURRA in Israel.
COHEN - DURRA in Mexico. MEYER >from Karlsruhe, Germany. BRANDES >from Heidelberg, Germany. Kindly communicate directly by Email to: Ernie Durra. Cape Town. South Africa. Email: <meldrum@cis.co.za>
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