Jewish Genealogy Workshop for Beginners

Have you ever wondered how and when your ancestors came to this country?  Where did they live, and what did they do for a living?  The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will offer a chance to learn how to take the first steps in discovering your family history at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Oak Park Temple Har Zion, 1236 N. Harlem Ave., Oak Park, Ill.

In this Jewish genealogy beginners' workshop, Judith R. Frazin, experienced researcher and lecturer, will explain how to get started, how to interview relatives and how to use the public library as a valuable resource.  She will also identify internet and print resources and explain what records are available, where they can be found and what information they contain.

A genealogist for 43 years, Judith Frazin has done extensive research on all the branches of her family.  She has written a book about two of her family branches that has been distributed to family members, and she served as president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois for 10 years.  She is also the author of three editions of A Translation Guide to 19th-Century Polish-Language Civil Registration Documents (including Birth, Marriage and Death Records).   

In 2010, the International Association of Jewish Genealogists granted Frazin its award for Outstanding Contribution to Jewish Genealogy via the Internet, Print or Electronic Product. The Polish Genealogical Society of America also recognized her contribution to the field of genealogy by selecting her to receive its Wiglia award in 2000.