Stephen Falk, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of British Columbia, spoke at the White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre on Nov. 16, offering guidance on tracing one’s Jewish ancestry. (photo by Chloe Heuchert)
The White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre (JCC) hosted a talk by Stephen Falk, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of British Columbia, on Nov. 16.
Falk introduced attendees to the fundamentals of genealogical research, providing practical guidance on tracing Jewish ancestry, accessing historical records and connecting with broader genealogical communities.
The presentation was immersive, with participants encouraged to ask questions throughout. Attendees engaged directly with Falk, exploring specific strategies for research, software tools and resources relevant to their own projects. The interactive format allowed for a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities involved in tracing family histories.
Falk emphasized that genealogy begins with what is already known: any names, dates and locations provide a foundation for exploring more distant connections. Collecting family stories, though often incomplete or imprecise, can serve as a useful starting point. Participants were encouraged to verify details through official records, recognizing that oral histories often contain gaps or inaccuracies.
A key focus of the presentation was the variety of resources available to genealogists today. Census records, birth and death certificates, and marriage registrations were highlighted as essential tools. Falk also emphasized the value of local archives and library databases, which often contain digitized or microfilmed records that can be accessed for free or with minimal cost. Provincial archives, for example, offer searchable databases of records that can provide key insights on both recent and more historical generations.
Online platforms such as Ancestry and MyHeritage were discussed as powerful ways to organize research and access international records. Falk also mentioned JewishGen, a resource dedicated to Jewish genealogy, which hosts special interest groups (SIGs) focused on specific geographic regions, including Germany, Poland, Ukraine and other areas of historical Jewish settlement. These groups allow researchers to connect with others who may be working on the same family lines or the same regions, providing both guidance and collaboration opportunities.
Genealogical research often involves piecing together information from multiple sources. Falk likened the process to solving a puzzle, where each record or data point can clarify relationships or reveal new leads. Even apparent dead-ends can be opportunities to explore alternative paths, whether by examining less-common records, revisiting archival materials, or connecting with researchers in SIGs.
The presentation also highlighted unique resources that may not be immediately obvious to amateur genealogists. For example, records maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include extensive documentation of Jewish communities dating back to the 18th century. These archives, now largely digitized, provide valuable historical data and can supplement other sources, helping researchers build a more complete picture of family histories, said Falk.
The session also addressed practical approaches to organizing and tracking genealogical data. Falk discussed the use of software programs that allow researchers to record information, update details and integrate findings from multiple sources. These tools help manage large volumes of information and make it easier to visualize relationships and connections across generations.
Research often requires persistence, as records can be incomplete, misfiled or dispersed across many locations. Understanding privacy restrictions and record accessibility is also important: for instance, European birth records may be subject to privacy laws, while death records may only become publicly accessible after a certain number of years. By navigating these factors carefully, genealogists can uncover accurate and meaningful information about their family history, said Falk.
Talk attendees explored ways to handle common challenges, such as verifying oral histories, identifying unusual surnames and navigating records from numerous countries. Falk emphasized the value of community and collaboration, noting that genealogical work is often enhanced when researchers share insights and resources with one another.
By the end of the session, attendees had both a framework and tools to begin or expand their genealogical projects. Falk emphasized that Jewish genealogy is not only about tracing ancestry but also about engaging with cultural heritage, historical context and global connections.
Falk’s presentation demonstrated that genealogy is both accessible and rewarding. Genealogists can uncover rich stories, strengthen community connections and gain a deeper understanding of personal and cultural history. The past can be explored, documented and shared with future generations.
Chloe Heuchert is an historian specializing in Canadian Jewish history. During her master’s program at Trinity Western University, she focused on Jewish internment in Quebec during the Second World War.