There was a time when Jewish genealogy was largely confined to rabbinic families who were proud of, and concerned for, their pedigrees. A generation ago, most Jews did not believe that they could trace their roots. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, new-found access to archives and primary sources in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, and the "information revolution", things have changed – radically.

In the last 25 years, Jewish genealogy has captured the imagination of tens of thousands of Jews worldwide, with the resultant birth and growth of organized Jewish Genealogy. In parallel, Jewish Genealogy and family history have matured significantly. Expertise has developed, resources have been uncovered, a popular literature has emerged, scholarly works and reference books have been published. Local and national societies have been formed; international conferences are held. Several quality publications are produced, while AVOTAYNU ranks as the leading journal in the field. In brief, Jewish Genealogy has entered the mainstream of Jewish life and activity.

There is evidence that, for some, exposure to Jewish Genealogy can be a life-changing experience. Certainly, research into one's personal and family history greatly enhances Jewish awareness. At the group level, it can be said that a people without firm roots in the past risks a questionable future. Jewish Genealogy provides a tangible bridge – from the past to the future.

After 25 years of demonstrable progress, involvement in the field has moved well beyond individual family historians. Scholars in the social sciences now work with primary sources and publish scientific articles. In the medical field, geneticists are joining hands with genealogists to pursue DNA research and investigations into Jewish genetic traits and diseases. College professors in Jewish Studies have sought help in designing courses in Jewish Genealogy, resulting in occasional offerings at the BA level.

Despite all these developments, a scholarly research centre, wholly and exclusively dedicated to Jewish Genealogy and family history has been wanting. The International Institute for Jewish Genealogy and Paul Jacobi Center, launched in January 2006, comes to fill that gap. Its physical location is in Jerusalem, the one place on earth that commands the attention of the whole of the Jewish People, but its outreach will be global.

The Institute aims to provide the energy, direction and leadership to effect the transformation of Jewish Genealogy into an academic discipline and a legitimate branch of Jewish Studies. Collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects will be embarked upon, and strategic partnerships established with other relevant institutions. The results of all projects and any research "tools" or products developed will be made available to the public, primarily through the Internet. In parallel, the Institute will encourage the establishment of teaching posts in Jewish Genealogy at universities with strong Jewish Studies programmes.

The Institute will also seek ways to be relevant and helpful to family historians with a view to enriching their work. To that end, it will foster and maintain close working relationships with existing Jewish genealogical organizations and frameworks, with the aim of complementing their endeavours to the mutual benefit of all concerned.

Click here for an article heralding the formation of the Institute, from AVOTAYNU, XIX, 4, pp. 5

Click here for an article on the “academisation” of Jewish Genealogy through the Institute, by Gary Mokotoff and Sallyann Amdur Sack, from AVOTAYNU, XX, 3, pp. 3-4

Click here for an article on the opening of the Institute by Neville Lamdan, from AVOTAYNU, XXI, 4, pp. 3-4

Click here for paper on “Academic Genealogy” presented by Neville Lamdan at the 15th Congress of the World Union of Jewish Studies (3.8.2009).

Click here for an article on the development of academic Jewish Genealogy and a report on the Institute’s activities by Neville Lamdan, from AVOTAYNU, XXV, 2, pp. 3-8