Meetings
Meetings are subject to change so it is best to check this website for updates.
Meetings are subject to change so it is best to check this website for updates.
Sunday, August 16, 2026 1:00PM
The presentation will provide basic clues for a researcher to recognize the same person recorded under a variety of names. The name changes, both in adopted countries and in the old world, make determining Ashkenazic (central and eastern European) Jewish names a genealogical puzzle. We will work through the challenges of understanding the contexts and origins of Ashkenazic Jewish names as the result of a complex amalgam of family, business, social, government and religious influences.
Most Jewish people adopted permanent family surnames fairly late in eastern European history when they were required to do so by the government. After emigrating to a new country with a new language, many adopted new forenames and last names.
Speaker: Emily Garber is an anthropological archaeologist by training (B.A. and M.A) and has been researching her family history since 2007. She holds a certificate from Boston University's Genealogical Research program and owns Extra Yad Genealogical Services. Emily serves as chair of the Phoenix Jewish Genealogy Group, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, and Vice President of IAJGS. She has written books and articles on genealogical research that have appeared in Avotaynu and NGS Magazine. Emily blogs at https://extrayad.blogspot.com/
![[Emily Garber photo]](photos/EmilyHGarber.jpg)
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