Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain Blog

A vast Digitized Database of Turkish Jewish Cemeteries has just been launched online and made available to the public by the Goldstein Goren Diaspora Research Center at Tel Aviv University. See https://jewish-heritage-europe.eu/2020/06/30/turkey-major-resource/

A new imaginative project - the RUMSISKES MARKET-TOWN Museum Details are at https://www.rmtmuseum.org/ "There are many worthy places to visit to learn how residents of Eastern European towns fought and died. There must be somewhere to visit to experience and study how they lived. This is our mission for the Rumsiskes Market-Town Museum."

The Jewish Heritage Europe Newsletter for June is out. In this edition, news, views, and insights from Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Austria, the UK, Belarus, Poland, Italy, and Slovakia. There’s also information on Jewish museums and Jewish cemetery clean-ups around Europe, and a report on a survey of Jewish heritage sites in Iraq and Syria. https://mailchi.mp/jewish-heritage-europe/jewish-heritage-europe-monthly-newsletter-i98p47gk2j?e=2b4091b94b Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not working for you, please go to the home page at https://jgsgbnews.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to read all recent posts. Thank you.

Michael Barnett has asked for help with the following: Objective: research my paternal Great Grand Father Wolf Barnett. He was born about 1824 in Prussia and died in NYC April 6, 1889. Departed from Liverpool July 13, 1869 on  a ship  to Manhattan, NYC. 1880 census listed as from Prussia and paint salesman. My specific query is how long he lived in England and his original surname. I understand that is was common for Jewish immigrants to adopt a surname like Barnett, Lewis, Davis.   Michael Barnett.         Chasseur14@yahoo.com [Please contact Michael directly if you can help him, or send a blog post to blog@jgsgb.org.uk if your reply is more general and would help other members.]

SHEPHERD explores the plight of the Jewish people in 1930s Germany through the lens of a young Jewish boy and his German Shepherd. "The timeless, unbreakable bond between a boy and his faithful dog is put to the ultimate test in 1930s Germany, in the heartwarming family drama SHEPHERD: THE HERO DOG. When the Nuremberg Laws are passed forbidding Jews to own pets, Kaleb, a German Shepherd, is separated from his Jewish family and his beloved 10 year old master, Joshua (August Maturo). Kaleb becomes a street dog, is captured and eventually adopted by an SS dog trainer (Ken Duken) at a Nazi work camp where Kaleb has now been trained to help round up and terrorize Jewish prisoners. But one day when a new trainload of prisoners arrives at the camp, Joshua steps out of that train and the dog rediscovers his unwavering loyalty. Together the pair attempts to escape the camp and begin the perilous journey to freedom. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Lynn Roth and based on the ...

Gina Marks sent in this notice: Harif Lockdown Lectures: Tales of Jewish Afghanistan With Harold Rhode Tuesday 30 June at 7:30 pm UK time (11:30 am PT / 2:30 pm ET/ 8:30 pm Europe/ 9:30 pm Israel) Scholar of Islam Dr Rhode will share memories of his travels to Afghanistan and fascinating facts about its ancient Jewish history. Are some Afghans descended from the lost tribes of Israel? Wherever you may be in the world, please join us for this fantastic talk! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85697702242?pwd=bFE2ZjVLU1dVZU9ZYkRsUjBrQjE3Zz09 Meeting ID: 856 9770 2242 Password: khyber One tap mobile +442034815237,,85697702242#,,,,0#,,135160# United Kingdom Dial by your location +44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom +1 587 328 1099 Canada +33 1 7095 0350 France +972 3 978 6688 Israel +47 2396 0588 Norway +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 856 9770 2242 Password: 135160 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcQ0AbiCZj Ple...

From Robinn Magid, volunteer chair of the IAJGS 2020 Conference on Jewish Genealogy: Registration is off to a good start for the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) Conference on Jewish Genealogy that will be held 10–13 August 2020 in the middle of a pandemic instead of a hotel in San Diego. Being adaptable and blessed with electricity and dedicated volunteers, we have quickly converted to a virtual conference that will still feature intriguing topics ranging from DNA testing to the “How To” sessions that our attendees have come to love. Recognizing our diaspora across time zones, this conference will feature a “Video Archive” of recorded presentations – selected from the 100+ speakers who were accepted to speak in San Diego. The Video Archive will be available for the convenient viewing by paid attendees for up to 60 days following the end of the online conference. Our deep content may be primarily pre-recorded, but this special 40th anniversary conferen...

Our next meeting in the JGSGB Virtual Meeting Programme is from the JGSGB South East Essex Regional Group (SEE RG) by Zoom. Date June 28th 2020. Time 14:00 London. Title: “The Prayer Books in the Attic – a Genealogical Mystery”. Speaker: Anne Marcus. Description: At the February meeting of the South East Essex Group Anne Marcus, group convenor, was handed two old Jewish war issue prayer books. They were found in an attic locally by someone moving out of a house. Who did they belong to? Who were the names mentioned inside? How did the books get into the attic of a house in Southend-on-Sea? As an avid genealogist and crime fiction fan this was a challenge Anne couldn’t refuse. At the meeting Anne will reveal what she discovered, showing the genealogical resources she used along the way. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for Q&A on the talk. Please email chairman@jgsgb.org.uk if you’d like to join, so that we get an idea of numbers. The invitation is below, but please ...

Aviva Ben-Ur will join the Sephardic World to discuss “Suriname: Jewish Autonomy in a Slave Society” on Sunday 28 June. This is an important and emotive subject that deserves serious discussion. There is no charge to attend the event. Jewish Autonomy in a Slave Society explores the political and social history of the Jews of Suriname, a Dutch colony on the South American mainland just north of Brazil. Suriname was home to the most privileged Jewish community in the Americas where Jews, most of Iberian origin, enjoyed religious liberty, were judged by their own tribunal, could enter any trade, owned plantations and slaves, and even had a say in colonial governance. Topic: Jewish Autonomy in a Slave Society Time: Jun 28, 2020 07:00 PM London (This is 7pm British summer time; GMT +1) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81747927110 Ton Tielen and David Mendoza Sephardic World Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not wo...

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the IAJGS International Jewish Genealogy conference is now virtual. The dates are now 10–13 August 2020. Great programme being developed. See https://s4.goeshow.com/iajgs/annual/2020/program_info.cfm Note times are EDT so London times will be 5 hours later. The main website is https://s4.goeshow.com/iajgs/annual/2020/index.cfm Registration details and prices at https://s4.goeshow.com/iajgs/annual/2020/registration_overview.cfm Note that there is a significant discount for Early Registrations made by 5 July 2020. Also see the Facebook Conference discussion at https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAJGS

AJEX is holding an online Service of Commemoration to recognise the immense contribution of British Jewish Servicemen and Women at 11.00 am on Sunday 28th June 2020. We want as many people from the community to join us as possible for this important opportunity to honour their memory. The virtual ceremony will include a keynote address from Sir Malcolm Rifkind and feature, amongst others, Rabbi (Major) Reuben Livingstone (Jewish Chaplain to HM Forces and Honorary Chaplain to AJEX), Mike Bluestone (AJEX JMA National Chairman), Marie Van der Zyl (President of the Board of Deputies), serving personnel from HM Armed forces Jewish community and readings from young students. Thanks to Michael Kaye for letting us know about this.

For members who are on Twitter, you will be aware that a large number of museums, archives and genealogy organisations are on the social media platform – some with many thousands of followers. JGSGB has now joined Twitter to help promote our activities and membership to a wider audience. You can find us on @JewishGreat so please follow and retweet if you can. Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not working for you, please go to the home page at https://jgsgbnews.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to read all recent posts. Thank you.

Please paste this link into your browser to download Ton Tielen's list of websites for Dutch & Sephardi research: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f4hEgAvzcbBeOJoO76YwNpcFZARxsfvb/view?usp=sharing If the link doesn't work for you, just email me at blog@jgsgb.org.uk, and I can send you the file. Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not working for you, please go to the home page at https://jgsgbnews.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to read all recent posts. Thank you.

The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) announces its 40th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy will be a virtual conference for the first time, held Aug. 10-13, 2020. "Given COVID-19, we are unable to hold our usual in-person conference, but are excited with the possibilities in continuing to offer our broad array of presentations and meetings on a virtual platform to our diverse audiences worldwide, from first-timers to conference veterans," said Robinn Magid, conference chair. Brainstorming and Connectivity will be the focus of four days of live, streamed sessions on broad topics presented as plenary sessions, panels and webinars.  Meeting rooms will be provided for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Birds-of-a-Feather (BOFs) to help gather our worldwide audience.  The Pre-Recorded Video Archive available to conference registrants for up to 60 days after the virtual conference will offer an even wider range of specialized presentation...

In this JewishGen Talk, Randy Schoenberg (a well-known attorney, JewishGen Board Member, and Director of JewishGen’s Austria-Czech Research Division) will discuss the varied approaches to the question of privacy, focusing especially on ethical considerations. For example, how should a genealogist respond if someone says he/she does not want to be on your online tree? Should minors be allowed to use online genealogy platforms? Can the right to privacy ever be reconciled with online collaborative genealogy? Wednesday, June 24, 2020 3:00 pm Eastern Time - New York (19:00 UTC) Please register in advance at: https://bit.ly/JewishGenTalks- Privacy Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not working for you, please go to the home page at https://jgsgbnews.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to read all recent posts. Thank you.

Foundation for Jewish Heritage gets major funding for urgent preservation work on Merthyr Tydfil, Wales synagogue. "The stone-built synagogue, a Grade II listed building, is considered architecturally one of the most important synagogues in the UK. It was sold in 1983 when the Jewish community disbanded. It was then used as a community center and a gym, but has been standing empty and deteriorating since 2006." See https://jewish-heritage-europe.eu/2020/06/19/uk-good-news/ Note to readers: If you're viewing this post via the daily summary email and the links are not working for you, please go to the home page at https://jgsgbnews.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to read all recent posts. Thank you.

AJEX: One Hundred Years of Service - Armed Forces Week Talk for Friends and Patrons Join Ron Shelley MBE, AJEX Vice President, and the Jewish Museum London for a talk to commemorate Armed Forces Week for Friends and Patrons. Celebrate and explore 100 years of service through the stories of 3 Jewish heroes and learn about their struggles and sacrifice. Friday, 26 June 2020 13:00 To book, please go to https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/event/ajex-one-hundred-years-of-service-armed-forces-week-talk-for-friends-and-patrons/?mc_cid=b9d51ae797&mc_eid=9d345d0677

Please see our new free JGSGB leaflet, “ Hints and Tips for Jewish Genealogy Research during Coronavirus Restrictions”, which can be accessed at: https://www.jgsgb.org.uk/content/hints-and-tips-jewish-genealogical-researchduring-coronavirus-restrictions   The leaflet provides a wide range of suggested resources, available online, to help you during this difficult period. These include links to databases, genealogy websites, DNA tools, educational resources and webinars. Most of these resources are free to access. If you wish to improve your research techniques or documentation skills then there are also resources covering these areas. Also included are a number of suggested family history activities to try by yourself or with members of your family, to help preserve your family history and grow your family tree. Laurence Harris, Chair, JGSGB Covid-19 sub-committee strategy@jgsgb.org.uk

Our next meeting in the JGSGB Virtual Meeting Programme is from the JGSGB Dutch & Sephardi Special Interest Group (D&S SIG) by Zoom. Date: June 21 st 2020 Time: 14:00 London Title: "Where are the Grown-Ups?" Speaker: Ruth Badley Description: How Ruth uncovered details about the death of her maternal grandmother. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for Q&A on the talk. Please email chairman@jgsgb.org.uk if you’d like to join, so that we get an idea of numbers. The invitation is below, but please keep it to yourself!   ============================== ============================== == Leigh Dworkin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.   Topic: D&S SIG: "Where are the Grown-Ups?" by Ruth Badley Time: Jun 21, 2020 02:00 PM London   Join Zoom Meeting (this link should be all you need) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 86243784084?pwd= cC9wbU95MkJqRGdNVVhYY1hleEFWZz 09   Meeting ID: 862 4378 4084 Pa...

JewishGen are pleased to announce the following records which have been added since May 21. Holocaust: Hungarian Women Transport List From Auschwitz to Buchenwald, October 14, 1944  - This list included 200 Hungarian women sent late in the war from Auschwitz to Buchenwald. Karlsruhe, Germany Survivors  - This list includes 111 Jews in Karlsruhe, Germany 1946, submitted by the World Jewish Congress, New York. This is one of a large number of lists developed/collected in the years immediately after the end of WWII in attempts to facilitate possible family support and reunions. Polish Jewish Survivors: Lubeck  - This list includes 146 records of Polish refugees who were in Germany after the War, and sought to establish/restore contacts with relatives/friends around the world, particularly in (then) Palestine, the United States and Argentina. Riga Transport Survivors  - This list includes 168 Jews who survived Riga deportations, were sent back to Germany, th...

Announcement from Willesden Jewish Cemetery: The United Synagogue is seeking to trace owners of the grave of Mr Henry Nathan who died aged 60 in 1927 and who is remembered with a distinctive marble monument at Willesden Jewish Cemetery, London. Urgent conservation work is needed to stabilise the memorial on this grave, an impressive columned structure surrounding a decorative memorial urn. It has suffered from subsidence and is now leaning to one side. Specialist stone conservation work will start in coming weeks, following recommendations of a professional survey into the condition of key memorials at this historic cemetery. The conservation programme is part of a wider project to open the heritage of this significant site to more visitors, which is supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We have been unable to trace the descendants of this family or the legal owners of this monument. If you are able to help, or have a legal interest in this monument, please cont...

Announcement from Willesden Jewish Cemetery: The United Synagogue is seeking to trace the owners of the family enclosure of the Neville family at Willesden Cemetery, London. This distinctive family enclosure contains the graves of seven people, including Alfred Vivian Nathan Neville JP, who died in 1924. The last burial was that of Stella Constance Neville of Hove, East Sussex, who died in 1957. A.V.N. Neville was a Churchwarden of All Hallow’s, Lombard Street in the City of London ward of Langbourne, and was awarded the knighthood of France’s Legion D’Honneur for work in connection with state visits to Britain of French President Raymond Poincare. Specialist stone conservation work will start in coming weeks to these monuments, following the recommendations of a professional survey into the condition of key memorials at this historic cemetery. The conservation programme is part of a wider project to open the heritage of this significant site to more visitors, which is supported by a g...

Announcement from MyHeritage: "a new feature brings blurry faces in any photo into sharp focus. Photos are enhanced using specialized technology that produces outstanding, high-definition results. Please share this news with your followers! Perhaps you have old photos that look grainy or blurred, or photos of large family gatherings with many faces that are too small to recognize clearly. The MyHeritage Photo Enhancer aims to solve these age-old problems and produces phenomenal results that let you see your ancestors more clearly than ever before. You can enhance your photos and colorize them with MyHeritage In Color™, as these two features complement each other. Like colorized photos, enhanced photos are differentiated from the originals using a special embossed symbol, and enhancement does not modify your original photos. The addition of the Photo Enhancer makes MyHeritage the best platform for uploading, enhancing, and sharing historical photos, bar none.  To enha...

We have been told that there are currently 9 vintage photos of a lady named Cohen for sale on eBay. They possibly date from 1890-1910. All 9 photos are lovely and appear to be in good condition. This Cohen family had ties to Highbury. It would be wonderful to see them end up with their rightful family. The seller states "These photos came from an attic in the Highbury area of London. They all feature the same very wealthy looking woman with the surname Cohen". The eBAY listing can be found under: "Victorian Edwardian Cabinet Cards CDV Photos Postcard Lot Same Woman London". Seller's asking £34.99 but will accept offers.

From East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue: Learn Together/Grow Together are short midweek educational courses run by educators from our community. Our next course, running in June 2020 over three consecutive Tuesdays is a historical course all about London Jewry from the Norman Conquest up to the 19th Century led by Caryle Webb-Ingall. This will be an online course taking place on Zoom. For more information: http://eastlondonandessexliberalsynagogue.org/cheder-education/learntogethergrowtogether/

From Aubrey Newman: Some forty-five years ago John Shaftesley published papers in the Transactions of the Jewish Historical Society of England (1965) and in Acta Quatuor Coronati (Masonic research journal) on Jews in English Freemasonry up to 1860, identifying a number of Jews who were members of English Lodges in the period before the immigration of large numbers of Russian Jews.   Since then Acta Quatuor Coronati has published a few studies of Jews and Freemasonry in the north-east of England and in west Lancashire, while one or two papers have been published elsewhere on a very local basis. But more recently, the digitisation of Lodge membership registers has made possible a more extensive analysis of this element of membership of Freemasonry.   It has become clear that in the period of mass migration, into and through the British Isles, a number of Jews sought membership of English Lodges, and many of those Lodges were prepared to accept the...

From Jeanette Rosenberg OBE: We have just republished our handout - JGSGB Register of Professional Genealogical Researchers, Translators and Related Services (Version 20 June 2020). The new version is available in the members' area of the JGSGB website. Please note, inclusion on the Register is free of charge, totally at the discretion of the Council of the JGSGB, and is open only to fully paid-up members of the Society.

MyHeritage have announced "a significant innovation: our Global Name Translation Technology™ has been extended to apply to Record Matches as well!" How it works "Global Name Translation™ includes advanced algorithms and is based on MyHeritage’s massive multilingual and international database of 12+ billion historical records. The Global Name Translation Technology™ automatically translates names found in historical records and family trees at very high accuracy, generating all plausible versions of the name to facilitate matches in different languages. Technically speaking, it transliterates non-Latin-based names to English (e.g. from Hebrew, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, and other non-Latin scripts). English serves as the common ground behind the scenes. Without modifying data that is entered into MyHeritage and stored in its original language, this technology is able to match similar names written in different languages with each other. The technology covers bo...

From Eva Lawrence: The JGSGB Herts group Zoom meeting last Sunday, May 31st seemed like a little piece of Heaven on earth, it seemed so for me and I'm sure that another participant, Bernard Miller, who attended although disability tied him to his own bed, would agree. My idea of heaven has always been to meet and talk with like-minded people on subjects of common interest, without necessarily a corporeal presence. In the long term, the future of genealogy depends on the future of the family and by extension the future of mankind, but for all the participants at this meeting, it simply meant the future of Jewish genealogy, a much narrower subject. Jewish genealogy is alive, well, and thriving, because Jewish history is varied, exciting and full of significant milestones and events. Interesting times may be cursed, but looking back on them from the comfort of your living room is a most agreeable way of passing the time – if you have time to spare. So we can't expect people busy...