U.S. Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource

American synagogue records contain a wealth of genealogical treasures.

Join us for a primer on using synagogue records for genealogical records. Where do you find synagogue records? What kind of genealogical materials do they contain? You will see examples and learn about JewishGen’s new project “Shul Records America,” a first-of-its-kind inventory of American synagogue records.

Finding synagogue records can be problematic and time consuming, as there are errors in catalogs and a variety of ways materials are described. To make it easier, and in one place, JewishGen starts the search for you with Shul Records America. This new finding aid points to the location of American synagogue records. Launched in fall 2022 with over 500 collections held at 50 repositories or websites, about 20 percent include URLS for digitized materials. Not only a historical resource but important as modern-day synagogues merge or close, Shul Records America encourages congregations to preserve records with genealogical value.