For Jewish St. Louisans, uncovering the stories and histories of their families have become more than just a personal journey—it’s a community effort. Genealogy, the study of family lineage and history, has seen a rise in popularity, especially within Jewish communities where the preservation of heritage holds deep significance. Here in St. Louis, the Jewish Special Interest Group (J-SIG) of the St. Louis Genealogical Society offers resources and support for anyone interested in tracing their Jewish roots.

What is Jewish genealogy?

Genealogy may be the study of family trees, but for many Jewish people, it’s also about reclaiming identities lost to time. Ilene Murray, co-leader of J-SIG and publications director at the St. Louis Genealogical Society, describes it as a process of discovery. Her journey into genealogy began during her years as a middle school teacher, when she and her husband decided to introduce genealogy to their students.

“My husband, a science teacher, was teaching genealogy as a way to help students form hypotheses and organize information,” Murray recalls. “I was just hooked. To me, it was fascinating.”

This shared passion ultimately led Murray to pursue genealogy full time, guiding others through the complex paths of family history.

“With Jewish genealogy, you start with the basics like anyone would, tracing back generation by generation. But with Jewish ancestry, there are unique challenges and myths—like the classic ‘names changed at Ellis Island’ story—that make it more complex,” Murray explains. “That’s actually the number one Jewish myth,” she adds with a laugh. “Our family names were not changed at Ellis Island, but the misconception remains.”

J-SIG aims to help people navigate these myths and provide tools to uncover their family’s past accurately.

Why Jewish genealogy matters

Jewish genealogy involves not just family trees but an often-elusive paper trail, especially for families affected by displacement, name changes and migration. Murray points out that tracing Jewish lineage can bring people closer to the lived experiences of their ancestors, who, in many cases, faced hardships like the Holocaust.

“We’re trying to put names to numbers and to give voice to those who might have been silenced,” said Murray. “It’s so much more meaningful than just, ‘6 million died.’ The work becomes deeply personal and impactful.”

Getting started locally with Jewish genealogy

For those interested in beginning their genealogical journey, Murray suggests a straightforward approach: “Start with yourself, work backward, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.”

Beginners are encouraged to gather family names, dates, and places as a foundation before jumping into larger platforms, which can feel overwhelming without a clear direction.

“Genealogy thrives on community and shared knowledge,” Murray notes. J-SIG meetings provide practical steps, resources and insights for new and seasoned genealogists alike.

Anyone can stop by the St. Louis Genealogical Society office, 4 Sunnen Dr. in Maplewood, which offers resources and support three days a week.

Additionally, local resources like the Emerson History & Genealogy Center at the St. Louis County Library provide a wealth of materials for research. “Our goal is to connect people with local history as they uncover their own stories,” Murray says.

Whether you’re new to genealogy or just looking for guidance, these local resources are open to everyone.

Tools, upcoming events, and membership

J-SIG meetings, held quarterly and open to anyone interested in Jewish genealogy, offer a unique chance to explore family history. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library. This session will feature Josiah Schmidt, a Jewish genealogist and reference librarian in the library’s Emerson History and Genealogy Department, who will introduce participants to the library’s Jewish genealogy resources.

Membership with the St. Louis Genealogical Society is easy to set up—just attend a meeting, visit their office, or join through the stlgs.org website. The hybrid format of J-SIG’s meetings also allows members to participate in person or via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for all.

“We’re evolving to meet people where they are,” says Murray. “Even if you can’t make it in person, there’s a way to engage and learn.”