Researching Jewish Galicia and Bukovina

 

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Researching Jewish Galicia and Bukovina

Tracing Jewish roots in Galicia and Bukovina can be especially challenging. These regions were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and over time their borders shifted between Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. Records may be written in multiple languages (Hebrew, Yiddish, Polish, German, Ukrainian, or Russian), and many archives were dispersed or lost due to war and the Holocaust. Because of this, specialized organizations and projects dedicated to preserving and making accessible the history of these communities are invaluable resources for genealogists.

In my work helping a 95-year-old child survivor of the Holocaust who was born in Galicia, I came across two very useful research sites. Both provide invaluable information and insight for anyone exploring Jewish life in these regions.

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1. The Jewish Galicia and Bukovina Organization (JGB)

Your gateway to digitized records, maps, photographs, cemetery projects, and the documented heritage of Jewish communities in Galicia and Bukovina.

The Jewish Galicia and Bukovina Organization is a non-profit dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the history and cultural heritage of Jewish communities from these regions. The site offers access to historical records, photographs, cemetery documentation, maps, and more.

🔗 Website: Jewish Galicia and Bukovina Organization (JGB)

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2. The Research Project on Bukovinian and Galician Jewry

An academic–community collaboration offering online courses, digitized Jewish periodicals, and forums for the study of Galician and Bukovinian Jewish life.

This project is a collaboration between the University of Haifa and the Jewish Galicia and Bukovina Organization. It provides online courses, a scholars forum, digitized Jewish periodicals, conferences, and news about ongoing research.

One of their courses, taught by Prof. Joshua Shanes, is “Jews of Galicia: A History.” It surveys the social, political, religious, and cultural history of Galicia’s Jewish community from the 18th century to the Holocaust.

🔗 Website: Research Project on Bukovinian and Galician Jewry

FBI Warning of scams targeting seniors - Hal Bookbinder

 ---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: "hal.bookbinder@ucla.edu" <HBOOKBINDER@roadrunner.com>
To: "'leadership@iajgs.org'" <leadership@iajgs.org>
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:52:17 +0000
Subject: [IAJGS Leadership] "FBI Warning of scams targeting seniors"

Dear IAJGS Leaders,

The FBI is warning about the Phantom Hacker Scam which is specifically targeting seniors and has raked in over a billion dollars in the past couple of years. They first warned about this scam two years ago. This summer they reiterated their warning that it remains active and dangerous, noting that less than 15% of the folks who are scammed are able to get their stolen money back. This has special relevance to our fellow genealogists, many of who fall into the target demographic. "FBI Warning of scams targeting seniors" discusses this scam, how to recognize it, and steps to take to avoid becoming a victim. It also stresses that even if we would never fall for it, unsuspecting friends and relatives might. So, we need to look out for one another.

"FBI Warning of scams targeting seniors" can be found in the Practicing Safe Computing compendium, which has been published on the JGSCV website and is freely available at https://tinyurl.com/SafeComputingArticles . 

IAJGS Leaders are reminded that they are free share any of its articles, with appropriate attribution.

Best,

Hal

Hal Bookbinder

hal.bookbinder@ucla.edu

Oak Park, California

A MESSAGE FROM THE JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF GREATER MIAMI

 Dear Members and Friends,

Thank you for supporting and participating in the 2025 events of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami (JGSGM). We are proud to share the list of programs we have presented since January:

Past Programs – 2025

• January 12 – Holocaust Remembrance Day with Professor Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman

• January 16 – Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots with Paulette Bronstein at the Northeast Aventura Library Branch

• February 25 – How I Created a Family Tree and Family History Book with David Light

• March 20 – Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots with Paulette Bronstein at the Northeast Aventura Library Branch

• April 17 – Unraveling Family Mysteries: A Journey of Discovery

• April 24 – Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)

• April 27 – Award-Winning Film Screening

• May 4 – Preserving Your Family’s Immigration Journey

• May 15 – Basic Genealogy Methodology with Paulette Bronstein at the Northeast Aventura Library Branch

• June 8 – Celebrating Shavuot: Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Times with Michael Milgrom

• June 26 – Who Are You and Who Are Your Ancestors with Paulette Bronstein at the Northeast Aventura Library Branch

You can find full program details on our website: www.jgs-miami.org

Genealogy Resources

In our email updates, we've shared links to fascinating genealogy programs presented via Zoom by Jewish genealogical societies across the country. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most societies have continued offering virtual presentations—an accessible way to hear from experts in the comfort of your home.

We recommend these valuable resources:

• Conference Keeper (conferencekeeper.org) – A comprehensive calendar of genealogy events

• L’DOR V’DOR (ldvdf.org) – Dedicated to Jewish family history and heritage research

Be sure to check out the News Nosh section (ldvdf.org/newsnosh), edited by Phil Goldfarb, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tulsa, Oklahoma. We encourage you to sign up for free weekly email delivery of News Nosh to stay updated on the latest in Jewish genealogy.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 27, 2025 @ 1:00 PM (CDT)
“The Wandering Jew” and “The Rise and Fall of the Jewish Shtetl”
Presented by Dick Goldman
Location: Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL
You can register for this event by going to the web site of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (https://jgsi.org)

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August 2025 Events – JGSGM at Temple Beth Am

Sunday, August 3 @ 10:30 AM
Discover the Meaning of Tisha B’Av
With Michael Milgrom
Presented in collaboration with Sunday Salon at Temple Beth Am Library

Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Immigration and Assimilation Discussion Groups: Discover Your Family Heritage
Four-part series led by JGSGM
Location: Temple Beth Am

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Membership Benefits

One of the benefits of JGSGM membership is access to private genealogy mentoring sessions at the Northeast Aventura Library Branch. To schedule an appointment, please contact me directly at jgsgm.president@gmail.com.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

With warm regards,
Paulette Bronstein
President
Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami

JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF GREATER MIAMI Genealogy Resources

 

Subject: Stay Connected: Genealogy Resources & Upcoming JGSGM Events

Dear Members and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.

I'm pleased to share two outstanding genealogy calendar websites that will help you stay informed and take part in engaging programs happening locally, nationally, and worldwide.

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 1. ConferenceKeeper

Website: https://conferencekeeper.org
If you enjoy educational events related to genealogy, ConferenceKeeper is an essential (and free) resource. It offers:

• A searchable calendar with thousands of genealogy events

• Filters by topic, location, format (virtual or in-person), and cost

• A helpful FAQ page to guide you through using the site

Some events are free; others may have a small participation fee. It’s a great way to explore new topics and connect with the broader genealogy community.

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 2. L’DOR V’DOR Foundation

Website: https://ldvdf.org
Focused on Jewish genealogy, this site provides:

• Research guidance and project resources

• JCAT Project and JDAYS: Jewish genealogy events around the world

• The Weekly News Nosh: A monthly newsletter curated by Phil Goldfarb, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tulsa

• Inspiring stories of discovery and a list of partners

 Read the June 1, 2025 issue of The Weekly News Nosh here:
https://ldvdf.org/newsnosh

As mentioned in past messages, virtual presentations hosted by genealogy societies worldwide offer invaluable learning opportunities. Many feature internationally respected experts—and thanks to Zoom, you can join from anywhere!

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 Upcoming JGSGM Events

1. Sunday, June 8 at 10:30 AM

Temple Beth Am Library
5950 Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL
Topic: Celebrating Shavuot – Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Times
Speaker: Michael Milgrom (JGSGM)
RSVP: jgsgmvpprogramming@gmail.com

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2. Thursday, June 26 from 1:00–2:30 PM

Northeast Aventura Library Branch
2930 Aventura Blvd., Aventura, FL
Topic: Who Are You and Who Are Your Ancestors?
JGSGM members will share family history stories and explore methodologies for genealogical discovery.

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 Individual Mentoring Sessions – June & July

Interested in beginning your family genealogy journey?
I am now scheduling individual mentoring sessions at the Aventura Library during June and July.
Please email me at jgsgm.president@gmail.com to arrange a time.

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Thank you for your continued interest and support. I encourage you to explore these excellent resources and join us at our upcoming programs.

Warm regards,
Paulette Bronstein
President
Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami (JGSGM)
jgsgm.president@gmail.com

How I Created A Family Tree and Family History Book - February 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Oakmonte Residence

 

PRESENTS

DAVID LIGHT

HOW I CREATED A FAMILY TREE AND FAMILY HISTORY BOOK

YOU TOO CAN SHARE YOUR STORY WITH YOUR FAMILY

OAKMONTE RESIDENCE

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

1:30 P.M.

David will share and explain his genealogical methodology researching his family history. Without previous genealogy training or experience David was able to uncover family stories, create an extensive family tree, discover the history of his ancestral town, and translate a treasure trove of Yiddish letters sent by his great-great-grandfather.

Oakmonte Village of Davie

7201 Stirling Road

Davie, FL 33328

Guests are welcome.

Contact jgsgm.president@gmail.com for more information.

 

Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots - Thursdays Feb. 20, March 20 & April 17 Aventura Library 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

 

Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots - January, February, March, April 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Northeast Dade-Aventura Library Branch

 Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots

Thursday, February 20: 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Thursday, March 20: 1 - 2:30 pM

Thursday, April 17: 1 - 2:30 PM

 Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch

2930 Aventura Blvd.

Aventura, Florida 33180

Age group:  Adult (19+)

event type:   

In-Person Genealogy Education Digital Literacy

Discover your family history with expert guidance from Paulette Bronstein, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami. Whether you're new to genealogy research or have some experience, this workshop is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to trace your roots and uncover your ancestral stories. For more information, contact 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Renee Steinig - Yiddish guides for prospective U.S. citizens post on Jewishgen Discussion Group

 

"Make America Your Country as Well as Your Home" - Yiddish guides for prospective U.S. citizens 

 

Renee Steinig Jan 30   #691267    The Yiddish Book Center recently posted on its website an article entitled "Make America Your Country as Well as Your Home: Jewish immigration to the United States" https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/language-literature-culture/vault/make-america-your-country-well-your-home    The article describes a booklet entitled “How to Take Out Your First Papers." First published as "an easy book in plain English for the coming citizen," it was republished in a combination of English and Yiddish in the early 1920s. To guide new immigrants through the process of filing the papers needed to become U.S. citizens, the booklet addressed matters such as English vocabulary needed to complete required paperwork, new laws about the citizenship of married women, and U.S. history and government. Several pages of the booklet appear in the article, as do links to other guidebooks in the Book Center's collection that were published in Yiddish to help those applying for U.S. citizenship: A follow-up to the English version of the featured booklet -- "How to Take Our Your Second or Citizen Papers" -- is available in full on GoogleBooks:  https://www.google.com/books/edition/How_to_Take_Out_Your_First_Papers/5AWRwVez1O4C?gbpv=1 Among its sections: "The Final Steps," "How to Become a Citizen," How to Take Out Second Papers," "What to Tell the Clerk," and "Facts You Must Know" -- all with details of interest to those researching naturalization records.   Renee   Renee Stern Steinig Dix Hills (Long Island) NY genmaven@gmail.com