Jewish American Genealogy

The history of Jewish genealogy had its roots in oral history. With the invention of writing, these long family lines were transcribed into the book of Torah. Thanks to these efforts, some Jews are able to trace their ancestry all the way back to such important religious figures as Aaron or Levi.

Knowing that, it’s easy to see why ancestry has a very significant importance among Jewish culture and religion.

Jewish American genealogy is known for being one of the most challenging branches of US genealogy. However, by following these tips, you can learn more about your family lineage than you ever thought possible.

The more you strive to discover more about Jewish American genealogy, the more you will find that there is a wide assortment of places to conduct research.

The best way to start is to begin with what you know. Once you’ve finished interviewing relatives, try looking through some old photo albums, family letters, diaries, or scrapbooks. Try to pinpoint your ancestors’ exact location. You may be surprised at what you’ll find.

The advantage of US genealogy is that even if you don’t have these resources available, you can still find a wealth of information simply by checking legal documents at your local courthouse. These include deeds, wills, contracts, death certificates, and many other important papers.

Be sure to also look up more information on passenger arrival lists and naturalization records. These documents will tell you everything from the date your ancestors left their home country to the ship they sailed on.

As you continue your research, please keep in mind the various naming customs your ancestors might have practiced. For example, until the early 1800s, most Jews did not have surnames, and inconsistent spellings were fairly common. Many Jewish immigrants also changed their surnames after arriving in the United States.

A commonly overlooked resource in American genealogy is religious establishments. If possible, try to discover the synagogues your ancestors attended. You may find religious documents regarding births, naming ceremonies, circumcisions, weddings, funerals, and other significant rituals.

Finally, remember that you don’t have to conduct all of the studies yourself. Not only can you find a variety of Jewish genealogical societies stationed all over North America, but associations such as the American Jewish Archives provide access to vital records, genealogical journals, and even ancestry query requests.

The American Jewish Historical Society also allows access to a library, photograph collections, historical texts, and a database of online journals as well as genealogical research aid.