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Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois

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Welcome!

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (JGSI) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization established in 1981 and now with over 300 members. JGSI is a member of IAJGS, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

We help members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors and serve as a resource for the worldwide community to research their Chicago area Jewish roots. JGSI hosts our monthly meetings with informative speakers and expert genealogy volunteers to answer your questions about Jewish genealogy.

join us for lunch and camaraderie at Temple Beth-el on sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 — after which we will learn about Researching Jewish genealogy records on Polish websites in a talk by Sigrid Pohl Perry

“Navigating Online Records for Jewish Genealogy in Poland” will be the topic of genealogist Sigrid Pohl Perry for the Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. Her talk will begin at 2 p.m. Central Time via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois. At 12:30 p.m. CST, before the presentation, please join us for lunch and networking at Temple Beth-El. The last day to order food—kosher style box salad or sandwich lunch from Sunset Foods—is Nov. 14. As usual with our monthly meetings, the JGSI family history research library and expert genealogy help desk will be available starting at 12:30 p.m. Central Time until the main program begins at 2 p.m.

More details and registration information are on the Events page.

JGSI hybrid meetings feature easy access to useful research library and genealogy help desk

The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook, Illinois, open at 12:30 p.m. before each monthly hybrid meeting. This allows individuals to utilize genealogy library materials, seek assistance with genealogy websites, or pose genealogical questions before the main program commences at 2 p.m.

During every in-person JGSI monthly meeting, our "help desk" operates from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and address genealogical questions one-on-one for both members and visitors, as time permits. The JGSI research library boasts over 600 volumes catering to Jewish family historians, including a diverse selection of historical and contemporary maps. All books and maps are available for perusal from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

More details and registrations for JGSI events are on the Events page.

THE LATEST UPDATES

Upcoming events

Mark your calendar now for our future events, which are listed on the Events page of this website. Also, sign up for Burbio.com, a free website and mobile app that lists events from local organizations in one online calendar.

NEWS

The Chicago Jewish Post and Opinion newspaper (August 1962-December 1981) is now available as part of the Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections thanks to the University of Illinois and a bequest to the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois from the estate of Peggy Morrow, z''l.  Search at
https://tinyurl.com/2p85h7ct

JGSI Jewish Chicago Database (JJCD)

The JGSI Jewish Chicago Database (JJCD) includes information compiled from cemeteries, obituaries, memorial plaques, retirement homes, and other Jewish organizations.

Brides of Waldheim

See all the Brides of Waldheim as mentioned in the Summer Morasha click here.

MYSTERY PHOTOS

Mystery Photos... If you would like to help us identify these people, please click here.

© 2024 JGSI | P.O. Box 515, Northbrook, IL 60065-0515 | 312.666.0100 | info@jgsi.org
JGSI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.