Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP) About JGSGP

Background
JGSGP was founded in 1979 by a small group of individuals interested in researching their Jewish heritage. Since then, the membership of the society has grown to approximately 250 people. While the majority of the membership resides in the greater Philadelphia area, a considerable number of members are from across the USA, Europe and Israel.

The Eighth National Seminar on Jewish Genealogy was held in Philadelphia in 1989, sponsored by JGSGP. Since then, the society has also been an active participant in many local genealogical seminars and workshops.

General Meetings of  JGSGP usually occur on the second Monday of each month, unless there is a Jewish holiday. The Winter meetings (December and February) are usually held on the second Sunday in the afternoon. No meetings are held during January, July and August. The meetings are held at the Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road (US Route 611 and PA Route 73), Elkins Park, PA 19027 beginning at 7:30 PM. These well attended meetings are usually addressed by outstanding speakers in the field of Jewish Genealogy.

JGSGP is a non-profit organization and functions through the voluntary efforts of its members, all of whom are encouraged to participate. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors, in accordance with the By-Laws of JGSGP.

Objectives
The objectives of  JGSGP are:

• To collect, preserve and disseminate Jewish genealogical information and knowledge
• To promote interest in Jewish genealogical research
• To stimulate and provide instruction in the use of research methodology and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness
• To foster careful documentation and to promote scholarly writing and publication
• To promote the preservation of Jewish genealogical records and resources
• To hold meetings for the instruction and education of its members and the general public

Publications
Chronicles is the quarterly newsletter of JGSGP and has received worldwide acclaim. In 2005, Chronicles was honored with The Outstanding Publication Award, which  is presented to an International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies [IAJGS] Member Organization in recognition of an outstanding journal, newsletter, or other publication that furthers Jewish genealogical research.

All regular members of JGSGP receive a copy of the Monthly Bulletin. This document describes the speaker and topic of the next meeting as well as the same information for meetings of Special Interest Groups of JGSGP. In addition, other important information of interest to members are included in the Monthly Bulletin.

Library
JGSGP has an excellent library which contains many of the more important reference and descriptive works in the field of Jewish Genealogy. Also included in the library is a large selection of pamphlets, the newsletters from other Jewish Genealogical Societies and a large and varied selection of audio tapes of various lectures about specific aspects of Jewish Genealogy. The JGSGP library collection now occupies a dedicated area in the Tuttleman Jewish Public Library on the second floor of the Newman Building at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027. Ask the Librarian to direct you to the dedicated area for the Genealogical Society Library. 

The Catalog of the Society Library is included in the online catalog of the Tuttleman Jewish Public Library. To access the online catalog, you will have to register, which can be done at no cost. The JGSGP library call letters are preceded by "JGSP" or "JGSGP." 

Area Affiliate Groups

A JGSGP Delaware County / Main Line Affiliate meets four times a year at Martins Run Lifecare Community, 11 Martins Run, Media, PA 19063 (Telephone 610-353-7660). These meetings are usually held on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM. The topics are varied and related to researching your Jewish roots. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, please refer to the JGSGP Calendar of Events. For more information, contact Affiliate Coordinator, Shelda Sandler.

A JGSGP Southern New Jersey Affiliate is currently dormant. If you are interested in reorganizing South Jersey meetings (previously held at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Marlton, NJ), please contact Affiliate Coordinator, Joel Spector.

Russian Special Interest Group
JGSGP sponsors ancillary group meetings and activities which meet the specific needs of many members. The Russian Special Interest Group is comprised of JGSGP members who wish to research their ancestors who lived in territories once governed by Czarist Russia. Meetings of this group are held four times a year at convenient locations in the Delaware Valley. Often, these meetings are addressed by speakers who discuss the various aspects of researching Jewish ancestors who resided in lands owned by Russia. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, please refer to the JGSGP Calendar of Events. For more information, contact RIG Coordinator, David Brill.

Membership
Membership is open to anyone interested in their Jewish roots. To join, please complete the Membership Application Form and mail it along with your dues. For more information, contact the membership office:

                 JGSGP
                 PO Box 335
                 Exton, PA 19341-0335
                 jgsgp@comcast.net

IAJGS Affiliation
JGSGP is a member Society of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS). The IAJGS is an independent non-profit umbrella organization coordinating the activities and annual conference of more than 75 national and local Jewish genealogical societies around the world. It was formed in the late 1980's to provide a common voice for issues of significance to its members, to advance our genealogical avocation, and to coordinate items such as the annual Jewish Genealogy Conference.

Some of the more significant activities of the IAJGS include:
1) Routinely providing new and potential societies with organizational assistance
2) Presenting achievement awards recognizing excellence in various aspects of Jewish Genealogy
3) Providing monetary awards to facilitate activities that provide resources for Jewish Genealogists
4) Ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the annual Jewish Genealogy Conference
5) Gathering and making available data to support the research of Jewish Genealogists (including the Family Tree of the Jewish People, Cemetery and Burial information, and Jewish Records at the FHL)
6) Providing list services to facilitate e-mail communication between member society presidents, program chairs, and newsletter editors

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