Avotaynu Guide to Jewish Genealogy [Hardcover]

Sallyann Amdur Sack (Author), Sallyann Amdur Sack; Gary Mokotoff (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1886223165 | ISBN-13: 978-1886223165

The definitive guide to Jewish genealogical research. Written by more than 60 authors, all experts in their own field. The list of authors is a veritable "Who's Who in Jewish Genealogy." Its more than 100 chapters cover all important aspects of the rich body of information available to do Jewish genealogical research. Each chapter in "Researching by Country of Ancestry" typically has (1) history of the Jewish presence in the country, (2) what records are available, (3) how to access records, (4) address of repositories and other institutions, (5) bibliography, and (6) Internet addresses. This book is of immense value to both the novice or the experienced researcher.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

What a treat for genealogists when two of today's foremost authorities on Jewish genealogical research join forces with more than 60 international experts to create a much-needed reference book. Editors Sack and Mokotoff are the publishers of Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy. Designed for "one-stop shopping" assistance, Avotaynu Guide to Jewish Genealogy is both a beginning and advanced guide for anyone seriously researching Jewish family lineage.

Information is organized into four primary categories--basic methodology, specific topics, research in the U.S., and researching one's country of ancestry. The first section, "The Essentials of Jewish Genealogical Research," is intended for those new to family research. In addition to general information, it covers shtetl geography, naming practices, Jewish culture and religion, information sources such as JewishGen, and groups such as Jewish genealogical societies. Information on how to research specific topics comprises the second portion of the guide. Here, the sophistication level rises to accommodate the needs of experienced researchers. Where to turn when looking for victims of the Holocaust, following migration routes throughout history, and tracing rabbinical genealogy are just a few items covered. The section on U.S. research leaves no stone unturned. Contributors offer advice on using immigration and census records, archives, historical societies, and draft records, among other sources. Expert researchers will welcome the last section, which provides background information and useful addresses and Web sites for individual countries throughout the world.

Each chapter has an extensive bibliography. Several appendixes, including one that explains the Daitch-Mokotoff Soundex system used by the Jewish genealogical organizations for indexing names, provide additional information. The lack of an index for the volume is a drawback.

Regardless of which aspect of research one enters into, this is the definitive resource to consult. The Avotaynu Guide to Jewish Genealogy makes the seemingly impossible possible. Ann Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Avotaynu (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886223165
• ISBN-13: 978-1886223165
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,715,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, November 14, 2004

By 

Kathy F. Cannata "Rev. Dr. R. Cannata" (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Avotaynu Guide to Jewish Genealogy (Hardcover)

PACKAGING: Nicely bound. Good cover art. When teh dust jacket tears, the hardcover beneath it is identical. Attractive, readable font.

SCOPE AND FORMAT: The first few hundred pages cover all the basic topics concisely: naming traditions, migration history, rabbinical genealogy, immigration records, American vital records, overseas records, etc. Very few topics are missed (I would have liked to have seen more on photos and family hierlooms).

The majority of this massive book, however, is an alphabetical treatment of the specific issues of research in various country -- everything from Norway, with a handful of Jews, up to the major spots like Russia, Poland, and the Ukraine. Each country gets about 1-8 pages.

Therefore, if your known Jewish ancestors are from just 2 or 3 countries, as is the case for most, then 95 percent of the last 400 pages of the book will be irrelevant to you.

My biggest complaint: NO INDEX! But the chapters are short and well-organized, making it easy to navigate. GREAT bibliographies at the ends of each chapter suggest trails of further research.

QUALITY: VERY high. The contributors are all masters of their topics. The writing style, for the most part, is clear and lively. The essays are written to be assible for beginners, but also contain plenty of helpful material for even the most experienced genealogist.

The articles are pretty current. Most seem to have been written in 2003.

My advice -- please get this book. Its a joy. If purchased along with Barbara Krasner-Khait 's Discovering Your Jewish Ancestors (2001) its all you need for general handbooks. (Krasner-Kahait covers other topics like heirlooms and photos in more depth and takes a more anecdotal, case-study approach, which complements and illustrates this Avotaynu nicely).

Added bonus -- we really need to support Avotaynu. They are doing such important work. Consider buying a copy for your public library too. And subscribe to the excellent Avotaynu journal.