If you’ve ever wondered who your ancestors were, what paths they took and what stories they left behind, the Jewish Special Interest Group (J-SIG) of the St. Louis Genealogical Society has just the event for you. Their first meeting of the year, an all-day workshop titled “An Introduction to Finding Your Jewish Roots,” promises to help attendees dive deep into the world of Jewish genealogy.
Set for Sunday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, this special gathering blends education, community and discovery into a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re a newcomer to genealogy or someone already piecing together their family tree, this workshop has something for everyone.
Why Jewish genealogy matters
Let’s face it—tracing Jewish lineage comes with its own unique challenges. Myths about name changes at Ellis Island, records lost to history and migration paths that span continents can feel like daunting roadblocks. According to Ilene Murray, co-leader of J-SIG, it’s all part of the journey.
“With Jewish genealogy, you start like anyone else, going generation by generation,” says Murray. “But Jewish ancestry has complexities that make it especially meaningful. This work often helps us reclaim identities and give voice to those who were silenced.”
The workshop’s three lectures—”Migration Paths of Our Ancestors,” “First Steps in Doing Jewish Genealogy” and “U.S. Record Sets for Documenting Your Family”—will be presented by Murray and Carol Waggoner, both seasoned genealogists and co-leaders of J-SIG.
What to expect
The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with each lecture designed to provide practical tools, historical context and strategies for starting or refining your research. By the time you leave, you’ll know how to uncover records, navigate common genealogical myths and connect with others on similar journeys.
There’s a nominal fee to attend and participants can also purchase an optional box lunch for added convenience. Registration is required, so don’t delay—visit the Jewish SIG page on the St. Louis Genealogical Society website at stlgs.org to secure your spot.
Finding community through genealogy
Genealogy is more than a solo pursuit—it’s a shared journey. The J-SIG meetings provide a space where people can connect, swap stories and learn from one another. And as Murray often reminds us, “Genealogy thrives on community and shared knowledge.”
For those who’ve been hesitant to dive into genealogy, this workshop is the perfect starting point. As Murray advises, “Start with yourself, work backward and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Event details
What: Jewish SIG’s “An Introduction to Finding Your Jewish Roots” Workshop
When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
More Info: Email the J-SIG team at [email protected] or [email protected].
