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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FW: Photo ID and when it was taken
#lithuania
Galit Aviv
Dear All:
I've posted a picture of my unknown relative >from Vilna. It is on ViewMate at the following address ... http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM38109 This picture was part of our family album. I do not know who she is. My great grandfather Aron or Arkady (ben Shimel) Grodzensky (1860 - ?) was born in Vilna, worked as a publisher, editor and translator. He was married to Revekka (bat Berko) Shamsonov >from Minsk and St. Peterburg (Leningrad). Unfortunately, I could not find anything about my great grandfather, just census record >from 1904 and duma voting record >from 1906. The woman on photo could be his sister or mother. Picture was taken in Vilna, by Serebrin's Photography. I hope maybe somebody might recognize her. If not, maybe you can help me to identify time period when this photo was taken. Please respond via the form provided in the ViewMate application. Thank you for any help. Sincerely, Galit Aviv NJ, USA Researching: GRODZENSKY (Trakai, Vilno, Russia, USA), PINEWSKY (Poland, Belarus, St. Peterburg, Russia, USA), SHAMSONOV (Belarus, Vilno, St. Peterburg, Russia, Tallinn, Estonia, USA)
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March 2015 Course: Complex Genealogy in the United States
#lithuania
Phyllis Kramer
This Intermediate Course will help you organize what you've found and
focus on what's missing. After researching Ancestry and Familysearch, what are the minor websites and major archives to consider? What are your brick walls and what advanced research will break them down? This course proceeds at your pace (there is no time dependence, our students are worldwide, you participate in our 24/7 forum when you are available); there are eight pdf lessons for you to download. The lessons cover U.S. Naturalization, Passports, Death Records (Probate, Obituaries, Cemeteries), Newspapers, City Directories, Immigration Ports, Major Archives and Libraries, Military records, Internet Research and State and Federal Government Records. The emphasis is on using your computer and the Internet efficiently and employing advanced on-site or email techniques in U.S. research. Students are encouraged to post one ancestral branch and the instructor will work one on one to answer questions and suggest avenues to research; this mentoring process is unique and quite valuable. Requirements and tuition are detailed in the course description; please read it at www.jewishgen.org/education . Registration is open Phyllis Kramer, VP, Education, NYC & PBG Florida www.JewishGen.org/education
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Lithuania SIG #Lithuania FW: Photo ID and when it was taken
#lithuania
Galit Aviv
Dear All:
I've posted a picture of my unknown relative >from Vilna. It is on ViewMate at the following address ... http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM38109 This picture was part of our family album. I do not know who she is. My great grandfather Aron or Arkady (ben Shimel) Grodzensky (1860 - ?) was born in Vilna, worked as a publisher, editor and translator. He was married to Revekka (bat Berko) Shamsonov >from Minsk and St. Peterburg (Leningrad). Unfortunately, I could not find anything about my great grandfather, just census record >from 1904 and duma voting record >from 1906. The woman on photo could be his sister or mother. Picture was taken in Vilna, by Serebrin's Photography. I hope maybe somebody might recognize her. If not, maybe you can help me to identify time period when this photo was taken. Please respond via the form provided in the ViewMate application. Thank you for any help. Sincerely, Galit Aviv NJ, USA Researching: GRODZENSKY (Trakai, Vilno, Russia, USA), PINEWSKY (Poland, Belarus, St. Peterburg, Russia, USA), SHAMSONOV (Belarus, Vilno, St. Peterburg, Russia, Tallinn, Estonia, USA)
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Lithuania SIG #Lithuania March 2015 Course: Complex Genealogy in the United States
#lithuania
Phyllis Kramer
This Intermediate Course will help you organize what you've found and
focus on what's missing. After researching Ancestry and Familysearch, what are the minor websites and major archives to consider? What are your brick walls and what advanced research will break them down? This course proceeds at your pace (there is no time dependence, our students are worldwide, you participate in our 24/7 forum when you are available); there are eight pdf lessons for you to download. The lessons cover U.S. Naturalization, Passports, Death Records (Probate, Obituaries, Cemeteries), Newspapers, City Directories, Immigration Ports, Major Archives and Libraries, Military records, Internet Research and State and Federal Government Records. The emphasis is on using your computer and the Internet efficiently and employing advanced on-site or email techniques in U.S. research. Students are encouraged to post one ancestral branch and the instructor will work one on one to answer questions and suggest avenues to research; this mentoring process is unique and quite valuable. Requirements and tuition are detailed in the course description; please read it at www.jewishgen.org/education . Registration is open Phyllis Kramer, VP, Education, NYC & PBG Florida www.JewishGen.org/education
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March 2015 Course: Complex Genealogy in the United States
#poland
Phyllis Kramer
This Intermediate Course will help you organize what you've found and
focus on what's missing. After researching Ancestry and Familysearch, what are the minor websites and major archives to consider? What are your brick walls and what advanced research will break them down? This course proceeds at your pace (there is no time dependence, our students are worldwide, you participate in our 24/7 forum when you are available); there are eight pdf lessons for you to download. The lessons cover U.S. Naturalization, Passports, Death Records (Probate, Obituaries, Cemeteries), Newspapers, City Directories, Immigration Ports, Major Archives and Libraries, Military records, Internet Research and State and Federal Government Records. The emphasis is on using your computer and the Internet efficiently and employing advanced on-site or email techniques in U.S. research. Students are encouraged to post one ancestral branch and the instructor will work one on one to answer questions and suggest avenues to research; this mentoring process is unique and quite valuable. Requirements and tuition are detailed in the course description; please read it at www.jewishgen.org/education . Registration is open Phyllis Kramer, VP, Education, NYC & PBG Florida www.JewishGen.org/education
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JRI Poland #Poland March 2015 Course: Complex Genealogy in the United States
#poland
Phyllis Kramer
This Intermediate Course will help you organize what you've found and
focus on what's missing. After researching Ancestry and Familysearch, what are the minor websites and major archives to consider? What are your brick walls and what advanced research will break them down? This course proceeds at your pace (there is no time dependence, our students are worldwide, you participate in our 24/7 forum when you are available); there are eight pdf lessons for you to download. The lessons cover U.S. Naturalization, Passports, Death Records (Probate, Obituaries, Cemeteries), Newspapers, City Directories, Immigration Ports, Major Archives and Libraries, Military records, Internet Research and State and Federal Government Records. The emphasis is on using your computer and the Internet efficiently and employing advanced on-site or email techniques in U.S. research. Students are encouraged to post one ancestral branch and the instructor will work one on one to answer questions and suggest avenues to research; this mentoring process is unique and quite valuable. Requirements and tuition are detailed in the course description; please read it at www.jewishgen.org/education . Registration is open Phyllis Kramer, VP, Education, NYC & PBG Florida www.JewishGen.org/education
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Viewmate Translation Request- Russian Birth and Marriage Records for KIRSZENBERG: Wiskitki, Poland
#poland
Jeff Kronenberg <jeffkronenberg@...>
Shalom, Friends:
I am trying to learn more about my family >from Warszawa, Poland. A full translation is requested >from each of these records posted on Viewmate: http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM37984 This is the marriage record for my great grand parents, Szyia KIRSZENBERG and Perla GRYZIAK. It is >from Wiskitki, Poland, 28 mi >from Warszawa. Record: Marriages 1879, Act 8. We believe they passed away in Warsaw in the late 1930's, and I am very interested in other family members who may have survived the Holocast and immigrated to USA, Israel, or elsewhere. Their daughter's birth record is included below. http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM38078 This is the birth record for my grandmother, Faiga Lea KIRSZENBERG. It is >from Wiskitki, Poland, 28 mi >from Warszawa. Record: Births 1889, Act 11. The actual record is in the upper left quadrant of the document. Faiga married in England, emigrated to Chicago, and became Fanny Lea PECK. I am most indebted to your kind assistance in translation. Thank you! Zai gesunt, Hananya Kronenberg Boise, Idaho USA Researching: KRONENBERG - Szczuczyn/Lomza, Poland PIC - Subotsch, Lithuania CZERMERINSKY - Motol/Ivanovo, Belarus KIRSCHENBERG - Warszawa, Poland WORTENBURG - Berlin, Germany MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please respond privately or on the Viewmate form.
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JRI Poland #Poland Viewmate Translation Request- Russian Birth and Marriage Records for KIRSZENBERG: Wiskitki, Poland
#poland
Jeff Kronenberg <jeffkronenberg@...>
Shalom, Friends:
I am trying to learn more about my family >from Warszawa, Poland. A full translation is requested >from each of these records posted on Viewmate: http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM37984 This is the marriage record for my great grand parents, Szyia KIRSZENBERG and Perla GRYZIAK. It is >from Wiskitki, Poland, 28 mi >from Warszawa. Record: Marriages 1879, Act 8. We believe they passed away in Warsaw in the late 1930's, and I am very interested in other family members who may have survived the Holocast and immigrated to USA, Israel, or elsewhere. Their daughter's birth record is included below. http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=VM38078 This is the birth record for my grandmother, Faiga Lea KIRSZENBERG. It is >from Wiskitki, Poland, 28 mi >from Warszawa. Record: Births 1889, Act 11. The actual record is in the upper left quadrant of the document. Faiga married in England, emigrated to Chicago, and became Fanny Lea PECK. I am most indebted to your kind assistance in translation. Thank you! Zai gesunt, Hananya Kronenberg Boise, Idaho USA Researching: KRONENBERG - Szczuczyn/Lomza, Poland PIC - Subotsch, Lithuania CZERMERINSKY - Motol/Ivanovo, Belarus KIRSCHENBERG - Warszawa, Poland WORTENBURG - Berlin, Germany MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please respond privately or on the Viewmate form.
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Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
Todd Edelman <edelman@...>
I know someone in Lithuania who "reads" Hebrew on gravestones with her
hands.... she will travel elsewhere. Write me if you would like me to find her. Todd Edelman (near Los Angeles)
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
Todd Edelman <edelman@...>
I know someone in Lithuania who "reads" Hebrew on gravestones with her
hands.... she will travel elsewhere. Write me if you would like me to find her. Todd Edelman (near Los Angeles)
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Benjamin SPIRO from Ulanow
#general
Linda Berkowitz <lindaberkowitz@...>
I am researching the SPIRA family >from Ulanow and recently came across
the draft registration for Benjamin SPIRO >from Ulanow. I am reasonably certain the Benjamin SPIRO was originally SPIRA and now want to connect him to the SPIRAs that I am researching. His WWII draft card indicates that his birthday was 3/4/1887, he was married to Annie SPIRO, and that they lived at 2220 N. 7th St. in Philadelphia. While I can find a Benjamin SPIRA, b. 1887 in Ulanow leaving Hamburg on May 2, 1907, I can't find a corresponding entry into the US for that same Benjamin SPIRA. Any information and/or help in tracking down Benjamin, his wife Annie, and their families would be greatly appreciated. Linda Berkowitz Deerfield, IL
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Benjamin SPIRO from Ulanow
#general
Linda Berkowitz <lindaberkowitz@...>
I am researching the SPIRA family >from Ulanow and recently came across
the draft registration for Benjamin SPIRO >from Ulanow. I am reasonably certain the Benjamin SPIRO was originally SPIRA and now want to connect him to the SPIRAs that I am researching. His WWII draft card indicates that his birthday was 3/4/1887, he was married to Annie SPIRO, and that they lived at 2220 N. 7th St. in Philadelphia. While I can find a Benjamin SPIRA, b. 1887 in Ulanow leaving Hamburg on May 2, 1907, I can't find a corresponding entry into the US for that same Benjamin SPIRA. Any information and/or help in tracking down Benjamin, his wife Annie, and their families would be greatly appreciated. Linda Berkowitz Deerfield, IL
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Re: Eroded grave inscriptions - ***Warning***!
#general
Barbara Zimmer
Genners:
Please ***do not*** use shaving cream (or other cleansers) on headstones! Even if the immediate result is a wonderfully contrasted carving, there can be major long-term effects. The acids in the shaving cream can erode the headstone. And even if there are no acids mentioned in the ingredients, "the reactions of the non-acidic chemicals in the shaving cream turn slightly acidic once the cream is applied. Read more about it here http://www.memorials.com/Headstones-Cleaning-and-Preservations-of-Tombstones-information.php [or http://tinyurl.com/m56bawx --Mod.] Rubbing, chalking, using powder or flour are also *not* recommended. Here are some safer ways to obtain a clearer inscription: Water, mirrors, snow, and aluminum foil (taped only on the foil, with no tape touching the stone) http://saveagrave.net/hard-to-read-stones Barbara Zimmer Norfolk Virginia
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Eroded grave inscriptions - ***Warning***!
#general
Barbara Zimmer
Genners:
Please ***do not*** use shaving cream (or other cleansers) on headstones! Even if the immediate result is a wonderfully contrasted carving, there can be major long-term effects. The acids in the shaving cream can erode the headstone. And even if there are no acids mentioned in the ingredients, "the reactions of the non-acidic chemicals in the shaving cream turn slightly acidic once the cream is applied. Read more about it here http://www.memorials.com/Headstones-Cleaning-and-Preservations-of-Tombstones-information.php [or http://tinyurl.com/m56bawx --Mod.] Rubbing, chalking, using powder or flour are also *not* recommended. Here are some safer ways to obtain a clearer inscription: Water, mirrors, snow, and aluminum foil (taped only on the foil, with no tape touching the stone) http://saveagrave.net/hard-to-read-stones Barbara Zimmer Norfolk Virginia
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Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
Ken Drabinsky <kenjdgen@...>
The discussions I have read giving recommendations for recovery of
eroded inscriptions ring alarm bells why discussion list conversations like this should be read with caution. While personal recommendations are often great ideas, they may not always be the best solutions. In this case, I am not an expert in recovery methods however it seems to me the best person to know would be a professional museum curator or archaeologist whose career may depend on making the right choices especially when working with priceless documents and artifacts. My two cents worth...do your research.... Best regards, Ken Drabinsky Coordinator, Kolo Rypin Plock Area Research Group (KRPARG) "tracing your Jewish ancestral links in north central Poland" kenjdgen@gmail.com Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
Ken Drabinsky <kenjdgen@...>
The discussions I have read giving recommendations for recovery of
eroded inscriptions ring alarm bells why discussion list conversations like this should be read with caution. While personal recommendations are often great ideas, they may not always be the best solutions. In this case, I am not an expert in recovery methods however it seems to me the best person to know would be a professional museum curator or archaeologist whose career may depend on making the right choices especially when working with priceless documents and artifacts. My two cents worth...do your research.... Best regards, Ken Drabinsky Coordinator, Kolo Rypin Plock Area Research Group (KRPARG) "tracing your Jewish ancestral links in north central Poland" kenjdgen@gmail.com Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Handouts for Today's RootsTech Streaming Sessions
#general
Jan Meisels Allen
The following are the handouts for three of today's RootsTech live streaming
events; Remember the times below are Mountain Standard Time and you need to convert them to your local time. Got to the Rootstech home page to watch. http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng Thursday, February 12 - Mountain time 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Thursday General Session 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - 30 Pieces of Tech I Can't Live Without - D. Joshua Taylor https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1969_30PiecesOfTechICantLiveWithout_Taylor.pdf?lang=eng 1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m. - You've Mastered the Census and Basic Search, What Next? - Karen Auman https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1487_YouveMasteredtheCensusWhatNext_Auman.pdf?lang=eng 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - What's New at FamilySearch - Devin Ashby 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - Getting Started in Genetic Genealogy - Diahan Southard https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1406_GettingStartedInGeneticGenealogy_Southard.pdf?lang=eng For schedule: http://rootstech.org/streaming-help?lang=eng Jan Meisels Allen Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee MODERATOR NOTE: Alternate URLs for the above syllabi, in case the ones above break, in order: http://tinyurl.com/lfbwkc7 http://tinyurl.com/k96a47u http://tinyurl.com/mqdy9ql
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Handouts for Today's RootsTech Streaming Sessions
#general
Jan Meisels Allen
The following are the handouts for three of today's RootsTech live streaming
events; Remember the times below are Mountain Standard Time and you need to convert them to your local time. Got to the Rootstech home page to watch. http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng Thursday, February 12 - Mountain time 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. - Thursday General Session 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - 30 Pieces of Tech I Can't Live Without - D. Joshua Taylor https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1969_30PiecesOfTechICantLiveWithout_Taylor.pdf?lang=eng 1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m. - You've Mastered the Census and Basic Search, What Next? - Karen Auman https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1487_YouveMasteredtheCensusWhatNext_Auman.pdf?lang=eng 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - What's New at FamilySearch - Devin Ashby 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - Getting Started in Genetic Genealogy - Diahan Southard https://rootstech.org/bc/content/pdfs/Class-Syllabus/Getting-Started/GS1406_GettingStartedInGeneticGenealogy_Southard.pdf?lang=eng For schedule: http://rootstech.org/streaming-help?lang=eng Jan Meisels Allen Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee MODERATOR NOTE: Alternate URLs for the above syllabi, in case the ones above break, in order: http://tinyurl.com/lfbwkc7 http://tinyurl.com/k96a47u http://tinyurl.com/mqdy9ql
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Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
tom
Shaving cream is acidic and accelerates erosion, especially of softer
stones. I don't think it's a good idea at all. ....... tom klein, toronto Harvey Kabaker <harvey.kabaker@verizon.net> wrote:[snip!]
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JewishGen Discussion Group #JewishGen Re: Eroded grave inscriptions
#general
tom
Shaving cream is acidic and accelerates erosion, especially of softer
stones. I don't think it's a good idea at all. ....... tom klein, toronto Harvey Kabaker <harvey.kabaker@verizon.net> wrote:[snip!]
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