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Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois

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Welcome!

Exploring Jewish family history is about more than research—it’s about connection. The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (JGSI) has been helping people uncover, understand, and preserve their Jewish roots, with a focus on Chicago-area ancestry, since 1981. Our membership of over 340 people from more than 28 states includes both newcomers and experienced genealogists, supported by our affiliation with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. JGSI offers engaging programs, informative speakers, personalized guidance, and valuable resources to make your family’s story come to life. Whether you join us for monthly live presentations or become a member to access our archives, past events, and exclusive meetings, JGSI has something for every family history enthusiast.

JGSI's June 29 hybrid meeting to feature short “Kvell and Tell” family history presentations

Several Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois members will take turns sharing family history discoveries and research tips as part of the annual “Kvell and Tell” session on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in a hybrid meeting at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook, Illinois. If you have uncovered a fascinating family story, used a unique research strategy, or solved a brick wall, then this is your chance to share it! We are looking for speakers to give a 5- to 20-minute presentation on a topic related to their Jewish genealogy journey.  

Interested? Email Debbie at dkroopkin@gmail.com

Presenters for the Sunday, June 29, 2025, JGSI meeting so far include the following: “The Forgotten Jews of Depue, IL” by Dana Steingold; “Adding Context: The Story of Rosa Arnow” by Paul Epner; and “Where Did Jack Ferdie Actually Die? by Moreen Ferdie.

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 most monthly hybrid meetings. 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 nearly 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, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) has a worldwide searchable online calendar of Jewish genealogy events at Jewish Roots Events.

NEWS

Research Updates

JGSI has added over 8,000 names and 900 subject records to its databases in 2024. Updates include new obituary data, plaque references, meeting videos, and synagogue records. Notable additions: JUF ObituariesTemple Beth El plaques, and Marks Nathan Orphan Home Alumni Directory. Find everything in Research.

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

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.