I have a lead that will take me to Munchen, Germany. Any hints to get me
started?
Would also like to research nobility probibly minor nobility >from that area
around the mid 1800's.
Thanks
Errol Schneegurt eses@aol.com

I have a lead that will take me to Munchen, Germany. Any hints to get me
started?
Would also like to research nobility probibly minor nobility >from that area
around the mid 1800's.
Thanks
Errol Schneegurt eses@aol.com

Dear Jewish Genners,
Since so many of our ancestors came >from Europe to the U.S. through
Hamburg, I want to point out an interesting and informative article in
the winter 1998 edition of Avotaynu. The article is an excerpt >from the
catalog "Hamburg Emigration Port" that acompanies an exhibit >from the
State Publicity Department of the City of Hamburg and is very
enlightening about the immigrant experience. Joyce

Dear Jewish Genners,
Since so many of our ancestors came >from Europe to the U.S. through
Hamburg, I want to point out an interesting and informative article in
the winter 1998 edition of Avotaynu. The article is an excerpt >from the
catalog "Hamburg Emigration Port" that acompanies an exhibit >from the
State Publicity Department of the City of Hamburg and is very
enlightening about the immigrant experience. Joyce

Dick Eastman has just reported the following about Kindred Konnections:

-------------------
"Kindred Konnections has had an online Web site for some time now.
They have been best known for their database of relationships,
much of which was created >from GEDCOM files submitted to them.
Their database presently contains more than 24 million names and
is available on a subscription basis. The folks at Kindred
Konnections haven't been idle, however. At GENTECH99 they
introduced several new services.

Kindred Konnections says that they are now indexing all the
genealogy-related Web pages on the Internet. The server at Kindred
Konnections looks for other Web pages that contain GEDCOM files,
text files in certain formats, plus several other file formats. Their Web=20
pages report that 2,652,450 names >from other pedigree-linked Internet
sites have been indexed, and that number is growing daily.

With the new software on Kindred Konnections' server, you can
upload a GEDCOM file, which will automatically be compared to the
24 million names in the internal database as well as compared
against several million more names on other Internet sites. You
will then be notified of all the possible matches."
---------------

Their indexing of genealogy-related web pages having GEDCOM=20
or other types of genealogy data files on them means that they=20
are using a spider to extract these family trees >from the web=20
sites of family genealogists without asking permission, and they=20
are then entering these data into their large data base without=20
the knowledge of the genealogists who did the original research=20
to develop the trees.

I personally consider this activity to be a form of piracy. I also=20
believe that all genealogists who are considering publishing their
trees on the web in the form of GEDCOM, text files (e.g.,=20
descendant lists), or other similar formats should think seriously
about whether they would want KK to extract their data without
their knowledge.

It behooves all of us to consider other ways of publishing our
family trees so that this type of activity will fail. As an example,
I suspect that the new data base of the Family Tree of the Jewish
People project is safe >from this type of piracy, except in the case=20
of a determined person who will develop a special approach for=20
that purpose, but I would like to hear >from some one connected
with the planning of the FTJP project as to whether our data are
safe there.

Regards,

Jerry

--
Prof. G. L. Esterson, Ra'anana, Israel=A0=A0=A0 E-mail: jerry@vms.huji.ac.il
Researching:
AIZIKOWITZ, MARCUS, MICHELOVICH, MIRVIS Baisogala/Datnuva Lithuania
ESTERSON, NORINSKY Berdichev,Ukraine
KRETZMER, SWEETGALL Zhaimel/Birzai,Lithuania
HELL, WAGENHEIM Riga/Bauske, Latvia
Visit the ESRA web site:<http://www.esra.org.il/>;

Dick Eastman has just reported the following about Kindred Konnections:

-------------------
"Kindred Konnections has had an online Web site for some time now.
They have been best known for their database of relationships,
much of which was created >from GEDCOM files submitted to them.
Their database presently contains more than 24 million names and
is available on a subscription basis. The folks at Kindred
Konnections haven't been idle, however. At GENTECH99 they
introduced several new services.

Kindred Konnections says that they are now indexing all the
genealogy-related Web pages on the Internet. The server at Kindred
Konnections looks for other Web pages that contain GEDCOM files,
text files in certain formats, plus several other file formats. Their Web=20
pages report that 2,652,450 names >from other pedigree-linked Internet
sites have been indexed, and that number is growing daily.

With the new software on Kindred Konnections' server, you can
upload a GEDCOM file, which will automatically be compared to the
24 million names in the internal database as well as compared
against several million more names on other Internet sites. You
will then be notified of all the possible matches."
---------------

Their indexing of genealogy-related web pages having GEDCOM=20
or other types of genealogy data files on them means that they=20
are using a spider to extract these family trees >from the web=20
sites of family genealogists without asking permission, and they=20
are then entering these data into their large data base without=20
the knowledge of the genealogists who did the original research=20
to develop the trees.

I personally consider this activity to be a form of piracy. I also=20
believe that all genealogists who are considering publishing their
trees on the web in the form of GEDCOM, text files (e.g.,=20
descendant lists), or other similar formats should think seriously
about whether they would want KK to extract their data without
their knowledge.

It behooves all of us to consider other ways of publishing our
family trees so that this type of activity will fail. As an example,
I suspect that the new data base of the Family Tree of the Jewish
People project is safe >from this type of piracy, except in the case=20
of a determined person who will develop a special approach for=20
that purpose, but I would like to hear >from some one connected
with the planning of the FTJP project as to whether our data are
safe there.

Regards,

Jerry

--
Prof. G. L. Esterson, Ra'anana, Israel=A0=A0=A0 E-mail: jerry@vms.huji.ac.il
Researching:
AIZIKOWITZ, MARCUS, MICHELOVICH, MIRVIS Baisogala/Datnuva Lithuania
ESTERSON, NORINSKY Berdichev,Ukraine
KRETZMER, SWEETGALL Zhaimel/Birzai,Lithuania
HELL, WAGENHEIM Riga/Bauske, Latvia
Visit the ESRA web site:<http://www.esra.org.il/>;

I am now aware of at least six organised trips to Lithuania this summer.
Three of these are being run >from England, two >from the USA. This does
not preclude people joining the tours within Lithuania. The USA tours
are being run by Shtetl Schleppers (Susan King) and by Howard Margol ( two
trips. I append brief details of some of these. Note that full details
of Shtetlshleppers are on the Jewishgen Web page http://www.jewishgen.or
g/shtetlschleppers/1999.html, and Howard Margol's was originally posted
on Litvak SIG on 26 November 1998. Full details are in the archive of
Litvak SIG. I have no commercial interest in any of these tours:


1. LITHUANIAN HOLOCAUST JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE

THE ELACHANAN ELKES ASSOCIATION FOR INTER-COMMUNITY
UNDERSTANDING (Director: Sara Elkes)

PROPOSED DATE - Wednesday 14 JULY 1999 - Sunday 18th July, 1999.

A STUDY TRIP OF JEWISH LITHUANIA IN MEMORY OF DR. ELACHANAN ELKES, LEADER
OF THE KOVNO GHETTO DURING ITS GREATEST HOUR OF NEED:

Led by Robin O`Neil, MA, (PhD PG Stdt. Hebrew and Jewish Department)
University College London

Jewish Vilnius and Ponary
Jewish Kovno (Vilijampole) - Walk in the world of yesterday
1X Fort - The 1X Fort, the scene of so many tragedies, now houses the
largest display in the country commemorating the tragic fate of the Jews of
Lithuania. 1941 - 1944 the Nazis made the Fort an international death camp
where many thousands people of different nationalities perished. Visits
and service at the synagogues in Vilnius and Kaunas.

2 nights in Vilnius - 2 nights in Kaunas
Inclusive: Flight (direct HR-Vil), 3* hotel acc. b/b. coach etc .
495 English Pounds (inclusive). Deposit 75 English Pounds to handling
Agent by 31.1.1999. Own arrangements for Kosher food. First come first
served basis.

Information may be obtained from:
For initial information contact:
(1) Robin O`Neil email: <roneil@compuserve.com > Telephone: 01722 790494
(2) Handling Agents and contact: Laraine Abrahams `LESTAIR` No. 1, The
Grove, Edgware, Middx, HA8 9QA
Telephone: 0181 958 9340
Fax: 0181 958 1212


A further journey is programmed in September, 1999, to Poland: A visit to
the extermination camps and Jewish sites in Eastern Poland:
Auschwitz-Birkenau - Belzec - Sobibor - Majdanek and Treblinka. Details
in New year.

2. INTRODUCTION AND ITINERARY - 1999 TRIPS TO LITHUANIA/RIGA
FIRST TRIP - JUNE 10 THRU JUNE 23
SECOND TRIP - JULY 1 THRU JULY 14


Thanks for your interest in possibly joining the group trip I am
organizing to go to Lithuania and Riga in 1999. Due to the interest
expressed, I am organizing two trips for 1999. The following itinerary
is for the June 10-23 trip. The July 1-14 trip is the same identical
itinerary except for the dates. I have been to Lithuania on five
different trips. On four of those occasions, I was the leader of a group
that I organized. I am familiar with most of the country and have a good
"feel" for which places are of most interest. Prior to the trip I will
inform you of the do's and don'ts, what to wear, what to take with, what
to leave home, and many other little tips that help make the trip an
enjoyable one. Moe Finkelstein, the travel agent that I use, has made
numerous trips to Lithuania. He helps with the arrangements >from first
hand knowledge rather than depending on travel books or second hand
information.
I do not organize group trips to Lithuania and Riga for profit. My main
purpose is to offer Jews an opportunity to go back to their roots, to
encourage them to research their ancestors, and to enable them to see
the rebirth of Judaism taking place in Lithuania. Since no profit motive
is involved, all arrangements are made in a first class manner intended
to make the trip enjoyable and meaningful for all. (In order not to lose
money, I need a minimum of 12 in each group. Less than 12 will require
an additional payment of $100 per person). I hope you will be able to
join us.
NOTE: Arrangements can be made for a side trip to Belarus for those
wishing to go there.

Howard Margol
4430 Mt. Paran Pkwy NW
Atlanta, GA 30327-3747 USA
Phone (404) 261-8662
Fax (404) 261-5722 (press *)
E-mail - homargol@aol.com
JEWISH LIFE AND HERITAGE TOUR

3. Robin Michealson, an experienced tour leader in London (Tel. +44 171
6255650) is planning a tour to Lithuania, Riga and Estonia in late
spring, early summer. I do not yet have dates.
--
Dr Saul Issroff

I am now aware of at least six organised trips to Lithuania this summer.
Three of these are being run >from England, two >from the USA. This does
not preclude people joining the tours within Lithuania. The USA tours
are being run by Shtetl Schleppers (Susan King) and by Howard Margol ( two
trips. I append brief details of some of these. Note that full details
of Shtetlshleppers are on the Jewishgen Web page http://www.jewishgen.or
g/shtetlschleppers/1999.html, and Howard Margol's was originally posted
on Litvak SIG on 26 November 1998. Full details are in the archive of
Litvak SIG. I have no commercial interest in any of these tours:


1. LITHUANIAN HOLOCAUST JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE

THE ELACHANAN ELKES ASSOCIATION FOR INTER-COMMUNITY
UNDERSTANDING (Director: Sara Elkes)

PROPOSED DATE - Wednesday 14 JULY 1999 - Sunday 18th July, 1999.

A STUDY TRIP OF JEWISH LITHUANIA IN MEMORY OF DR. ELACHANAN ELKES, LEADER
OF THE KOVNO GHETTO DURING ITS GREATEST HOUR OF NEED:

Led by Robin O`Neil, MA, (PhD PG Stdt. Hebrew and Jewish Department)
University College London

Jewish Vilnius and Ponary
Jewish Kovno (Vilijampole) - Walk in the world of yesterday
1X Fort - The 1X Fort, the scene of so many tragedies, now houses the
largest display in the country commemorating the tragic fate of the Jews of
Lithuania. 1941 - 1944 the Nazis made the Fort an international death camp
where many thousands people of different nationalities perished. Visits
and service at the synagogues in Vilnius and Kaunas.

2 nights in Vilnius - 2 nights in Kaunas
Inclusive: Flight (direct HR-Vil), 3* hotel acc. b/b. coach etc .
495 English Pounds (inclusive). Deposit 75 English Pounds to handling
Agent by 31.1.1999. Own arrangements for Kosher food. First come first
served basis.

Information may be obtained from:
For initial information contact:
(1) Robin O`Neil email: <roneil@compuserve.com > Telephone: 01722 790494
(2) Handling Agents and contact: Laraine Abrahams `LESTAIR` No. 1, The
Grove, Edgware, Middx, HA8 9QA
Telephone: 0181 958 9340
Fax: 0181 958 1212


A further journey is programmed in September, 1999, to Poland: A visit to
the extermination camps and Jewish sites in Eastern Poland:
Auschwitz-Birkenau - Belzec - Sobibor - Majdanek and Treblinka. Details
in New year.

2. INTRODUCTION AND ITINERARY - 1999 TRIPS TO LITHUANIA/RIGA
FIRST TRIP - JUNE 10 THRU JUNE 23
SECOND TRIP - JULY 1 THRU JULY 14


Thanks for your interest in possibly joining the group trip I am
organizing to go to Lithuania and Riga in 1999. Due to the interest
expressed, I am organizing two trips for 1999. The following itinerary
is for the June 10-23 trip. The July 1-14 trip is the same identical
itinerary except for the dates. I have been to Lithuania on five
different trips. On four of those occasions, I was the leader of a group
that I organized. I am familiar with most of the country and have a good
"feel" for which places are of most interest. Prior to the trip I will
inform you of the do's and don'ts, what to wear, what to take with, what
to leave home, and many other little tips that help make the trip an
enjoyable one. Moe Finkelstein, the travel agent that I use, has made
numerous trips to Lithuania. He helps with the arrangements >from first
hand knowledge rather than depending on travel books or second hand
information.
I do not organize group trips to Lithuania and Riga for profit. My main
purpose is to offer Jews an opportunity to go back to their roots, to
encourage them to research their ancestors, and to enable them to see
the rebirth of Judaism taking place in Lithuania. Since no profit motive
is involved, all arrangements are made in a first class manner intended
to make the trip enjoyable and meaningful for all. (In order not to lose
money, I need a minimum of 12 in each group. Less than 12 will require
an additional payment of $100 per person). I hope you will be able to
join us.
NOTE: Arrangements can be made for a side trip to Belarus for those
wishing to go there.

Howard Margol
4430 Mt. Paran Pkwy NW
Atlanta, GA 30327-3747 USA
Phone (404) 261-8662
Fax (404) 261-5722 (press *)
E-mail - homargol@aol.com
JEWISH LIFE AND HERITAGE TOUR

3. Robin Michealson, an experienced tour leader in London (Tel. +44 171
6255650) is planning a tour to Lithuania, Riga and Estonia in late
spring, early summer. I do not yet have dates.
--
Dr Saul Issroff

In my family, I have a 1st cousin of mine married to our mutual 1st cousin. The
wife's parents are 1st cousins, & her father's parents are 1st cousins. And
there are 1st cousin marriages going further back as well, into the early 1800s
in Lithuania. Amazingly, no recessive "bad" genes have surfaced in all this
time. Talk about the luck of the draw.

Lee MESSING Hover

Looking for LAPIN, Kretinga, Lith; KLEIN, Hungary; MESSING, Ger & Warsaw,
Poland; MICHAELOWSKI, Poland

MODERATOR'S NOTE: Since the discussion of cousin marriages is not particular to Litvak genealogy, it would be more effective if messages on this topic were posted to the JewishGen Discussion group. Thread ended.

In my family, I have a 1st cousin of mine married to our mutual 1st cousin. The
wife's parents are 1st cousins, & her father's parents are 1st cousins. And
there are 1st cousin marriages going further back as well, into the early 1800s
in Lithuania. Amazingly, no recessive "bad" genes have surfaced in all this
time. Talk about the luck of the draw.

Lee MESSING Hover

Looking for LAPIN, Kretinga, Lith; KLEIN, Hungary; MESSING, Ger & Warsaw,
Poland; MICHAELOWSKI, Poland

MODERATOR'S NOTE: Since the discussion of cousin marriages is not particular to Litvak genealogy, it would be more effective if messages on this topic were posted to the JewishGen Discussion group. Thread ended.

Return to Judaism and Jewish roots echo throughout the Winter
issue of Avotaynu, which has just been mailed. Arthur
Benveniste's fascinating article illuminates the phenomenon of
modern Crypto-Jews; Gary Mokotoff's curiosity about a Cuban
refugee's name led him to the secret Jews of the Canary Island;
and two Christians--one >from Costa Rica, the other >from Jamaica--
request help discovering their own presumed Jewish ancestors.
Remarkable as it is, this surge of interest in Jewish roots is
not confined to Sephardim. Two years ago, Judith White discovered
her Jewish ancestry; now she reports her son's intent to close
the circle and raise his children as Jews.
The subtle but powerful subject of personal identity and
"belongingness" underlies almost all of the human interest
stories presented in the issue, many of them played out against
events of the Holocaust and/or mass migration, the two most
important events of Jewish life in the past 150 years.

Below is the Table of Contents

Avotaynu Declares Jewish Genealogy Month
AVOTAYNU Editors to Head B'nai Brith Genealogy Effort
Yad Vashem Database Will Document All Jews Caught Up in the
Holocaust
Living Vertically: Urban Research Methods
Genealogical Resources in New York City Abound for 19th Annual
Conference
In Which Haystack to Search: More on Sources for Russian-Jewish
Genealogy
Emigration >from the Port of Hamburg, Germany
Sherwood Forest Through the Genealogical Trees
Jewish Genealogical Research in Canada
The Jews of the Canary Islands
Crypto-Jews of the U.S. Southwest
Resources in Belgium Illuminate Larger Geographical Area
Finding a Family: A Tribute to My Father
Turciansky Svaty Martin
Oswego, New York: Wartime Haven for Jewish Refugees
A Trip to Ukraine
Morals of the Story
Peretz Amsel (18981942): One Man's Holocaust
Rediscovering Family
Traces of a Vanished World
The Last Mokotowski in Poland
How I Found a New Ancestor in Krakw, Poland
Making Lemonade Out of Lemons
Psychological Therapy Yields Genealogical Rewards
German Family Holds Paintings of Jewish Artist
Genealogy Research Helps Descendants

from Our Contributing Editors

Two Scholarly Journals
U.S. Update
Internet Corner
Family Finder
Ask the Experts
Book Reviews: >from A Ruined Garden: The Memorial Books of Polish
Jewry; These Are the Names: Studies in Jewish Onomastics; A
Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors; They
Became Americans: Finding Naturalization Records and Ethnic
Origins; 1998 Cemetery Project on CD-ROM
New Family Histories in Print

I am not very religious, but I vaguely remember hearing about a Jewish law or
custom where if there were two or more sons in a family and one brother dies it is
a tradition, mitzvah or commandment for another brother to marry and care for
his widow.What if the surviving brother was already married, was he obligated to
care for his brother's widow and children? Does anyone know more about this? This
might explain why so many cousins lived together.

Pamela Pollan

Apologies to those that stumbled across this link over the weekend. This
was mistakedly activated for a short time before the mistake was realised
and corrected. The database, although close to release, has still to go
through some final alterations before going live sometime in February. Keep
watching this space for the official opening.

Sincerely, Trevor Tucker, LitvakSIG Webmaster

Return to Judaism and Jewish roots echo throughout the Winter
issue of Avotaynu, which has just been mailed. Arthur
Benveniste's fascinating article illuminates the phenomenon of
modern Crypto-Jews; Gary Mokotoff's curiosity about a Cuban
refugee's name led him to the secret Jews of the Canary Island;
and two Christians--one >from Costa Rica, the other >from Jamaica--
request help discovering their own presumed Jewish ancestors.
Remarkable as it is, this surge of interest in Jewish roots is
not confined to Sephardim. Two years ago, Judith White discovered
her Jewish ancestry; now she reports her son's intent to close
the circle and raise his children as Jews.
The subtle but powerful subject of personal identity and
"belongingness" underlies almost all of the human interest
stories presented in the issue, many of them played out against
events of the Holocaust and/or mass migration, the two most
important events of Jewish life in the past 150 years.

Below is the Table of Contents

Avotaynu Declares Jewish Genealogy Month
AVOTAYNU Editors to Head B'nai Brith Genealogy Effort
Yad Vashem Database Will Document All Jews Caught Up in the
Holocaust
Living Vertically: Urban Research Methods
Genealogical Resources in New York City Abound for 19th Annual
Conference
In Which Haystack to Search: More on Sources for Russian-Jewish
Genealogy
Emigration >from the Port of Hamburg, Germany
Sherwood Forest Through the Genealogical Trees
Jewish Genealogical Research in Canada
The Jews of the Canary Islands
Crypto-Jews of the U.S. Southwest
Resources in Belgium Illuminate Larger Geographical Area
Finding a Family: A Tribute to My Father
Turciansky Svaty Martin
Oswego, New York: Wartime Haven for Jewish Refugees
A Trip to Ukraine
Morals of the Story
Peretz Amsel (18981942): One Man's Holocaust
Rediscovering Family
Traces of a Vanished World
The Last Mokotowski in Poland
How I Found a New Ancestor in Krakw, Poland
Making Lemonade Out of Lemons
Psychological Therapy Yields Genealogical Rewards
German Family Holds Paintings of Jewish Artist
Genealogy Research Helps Descendants

from Our Contributing Editors

Two Scholarly Journals
U.S. Update
Internet Corner
Family Finder
Ask the Experts
Book Reviews: >from A Ruined Garden: The Memorial Books of Polish
Jewry; These Are the Names: Studies in Jewish Onomastics; A
Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors; They
Became Americans: Finding Naturalization Records and Ethnic
Origins; 1998 Cemetery Project on CD-ROM
New Family Histories in Print

I am not very religious, but I vaguely remember hearing about a Jewish law or
custom where if there were two or more sons in a family and one brother dies it is
a tradition, mitzvah or commandment for another brother to marry and care for
his widow.What if the surviving brother was already married, was he obligated to
care for his brother's widow and children? Does anyone know more about this? This
might explain why so many cousins lived together.

Pamela Pollan

Apologies to those that stumbled across this link over the weekend. This
was mistakedly activated for a short time before the mistake was realised
and corrected. The database, although close to release, has still to go
through some final alterations before going live sometime in February. Keep
watching this space for the official opening.

Sincerely, Trevor Tucker, LitvakSIG Webmaster

Dear All,

I want to thank all those who worked to hard to prepare and input the
new ALD. It's awesome!

I would like to volunteer to input data to the database. I'm afraid my
computer skills are not great, and that's why I didn't offer to help
earlier, but I think I can manage simple stuff.

Exactly what does one need to know how to do to be able to do the job?
Please let me know.

Feige Stern
Cleveland, OH

Researching: KOLOVARSKY/KLAVARSKY/KAUVAR, Seduva, Lithuania;
SILVERSTEIN, Rasseinai, Lithuania; NAFTEL, Rasseinai, Lithuania;
SCHENKER, Dankera, Latvia; MEYLACH, Latvia; HOFFMAN, Bessarabia;
SCHWARTZ, Romamia

Dear fellow Kedainiai researchers:

I have been asked by the LitvakSIG to try to organize an effort to purchase
the 1834 revision list and the 1874 family list for Kedainiai that is held
by the Kaunas Regional Archives. Each of these lists are a census of all
the families that were officially registered in Kedainiai, giving the name
of the head of household, including patronymic, names of wife and children
and other family members, and ages. The 1834 Kedainiai revision list,
which is 27 pages, is the earliest known list to be in existence for
Kedainiai at the Kaunas archives, which may help you trace your family back
to your earliest ancestor on record (although Vitalija admits that it is
"not complete"). The 1874 Kedainiai family list is probably the most
valuable and complete listing of Kedainiai Jews in existence. Without
having seen the list, but based on the size of the town and in comparison
to another shtetl in Kovno uyezd where the 1874 family list has already
been obtained, I would estimate that the 1874 family list for Kedainiai
contains at least 3,200 individuals.

The LitvakSIG has worked out a special arrangement with the Kaunas Archives by
which the archivists will translate the 1874 family list and enter the data
into a spreadsheet which they will send us on diskette. It will be made
available to all contributors and eventually be included as part of the All
Lithuania Database. The 1834 revision list will be photocopied and
translated in America by a Russian Jewish emigree who has translated
previous lists for the LitvakSIG. The estimated cost for both of the
Kedainiai lists combined is in the $1500-$2000 range, including translation
and data entry. Since the archives' fee for searching just one family name
is $70 (with waiting time up to one year), this is much more time and cost
efficient. Plus, it is quite an advantage for us to obtain an entire list,
rather than just extracts for certain families, because it allows us to
find other potential relatives with different names.

If you are interested in this effort, I would encourage you to make a donation
of at least $50-$100, since I don't know if everyone will be interested.
All donations to LitvakSIG are tax deductible. Checks should be made out
to LitvakSIG and sent to Peggy Freedman, LitvakSIG Treasurer, 245 Dalrymple
Road, Atlanta, GA 30328. Please put "Kedainiai" in the memo field so Peggy
knows where to credit the money. Also, drop me an e-mail if you are making
a donation, so that I can keep track of where we stand with our effort.

To those of you who have already contributed to the Kovno uyezd research
group and want to earmark that contribution specifically for Kedainiai,
please let me know. Because the attempt to find 1858 lists for Kovno uyezd
has not yet turned up anything to date, we are now taking a more
shtetl-based approach.

Thanks for your time and I hope you all support this effort.

Ada Greenblatt
ada.Greenblatt@worldnet.att.net

Dear All,

I want to thank all those who worked to hard to prepare and input the
new ALD. It's awesome!

I would like to volunteer to input data to the database. I'm afraid my
computer skills are not great, and that's why I didn't offer to help
earlier, but I think I can manage simple stuff.

Exactly what does one need to know how to do to be able to do the job?
Please let me know.

Feige Stern
Cleveland, OH

Researching: KOLOVARSKY/KLAVARSKY/KAUVAR, Seduva, Lithuania;
SILVERSTEIN, Rasseinai, Lithuania; NAFTEL, Rasseinai, Lithuania;
SCHENKER, Dankera, Latvia; MEYLACH, Latvia; HOFFMAN, Bessarabia;
SCHWARTZ, Romamia

Dear fellow Kedainiai researchers:

I have been asked by the LitvakSIG to try to organize an effort to purchase
the 1834 revision list and the 1874 family list for Kedainiai that is held
by the Kaunas Regional Archives. Each of these lists are a census of all
the families that were officially registered in Kedainiai, giving the name
of the head of household, including patronymic, names of wife and children
and other family members, and ages. The 1834 Kedainiai revision list,
which is 27 pages, is the earliest known list to be in existence for
Kedainiai at the Kaunas archives, which may help you trace your family back
to your earliest ancestor on record (although Vitalija admits that it is
"not complete"). The 1874 Kedainiai family list is probably the most
valuable and complete listing of Kedainiai Jews in existence. Without
having seen the list, but based on the size of the town and in comparison
to another shtetl in Kovno uyezd where the 1874 family list has already
been obtained, I would estimate that the 1874 family list for Kedainiai
contains at least 3,200 individuals.

The LitvakSIG has worked out a special arrangement with the Kaunas Archives by
which the archivists will translate the 1874 family list and enter the data
into a spreadsheet which they will send us on diskette. It will be made
available to all contributors and eventually be included as part of the All
Lithuania Database. The 1834 revision list will be photocopied and
translated in America by a Russian Jewish emigree who has translated
previous lists for the LitvakSIG. The estimated cost for both of the
Kedainiai lists combined is in the $1500-$2000 range, including translation
and data entry. Since the archives' fee for searching just one family name
is $70 (with waiting time up to one year), this is much more time and cost
efficient. Plus, it is quite an advantage for us to obtain an entire list,
rather than just extracts for certain families, because it allows us to
find other potential relatives with different names.

If you are interested in this effort, I would encourage you to make a donation
of at least $50-$100, since I don't know if everyone will be interested.
All donations to LitvakSIG are tax deductible. Checks should be made out
to LitvakSIG and sent to Peggy Freedman, LitvakSIG Treasurer, 245 Dalrymple
Road, Atlanta, GA 30328. Please put "Kedainiai" in the memo field so Peggy
knows where to credit the money. Also, drop me an e-mail if you are making
a donation, so that I can keep track of where we stand with our effort.

To those of you who have already contributed to the Kovno uyezd research
group and want to earmark that contribution specifically for Kedainiai,
please let me know. Because the attempt to find 1858 lists for Kovno uyezd
has not yet turned up anything to date, we are now taking a more
shtetl-based approach.

Thanks for your time and I hope you all support this effort.

Ada Greenblatt
ada.Greenblatt@worldnet.att.net