Frequently asked questions
I offer comprehensive family tree construction, document discovery, oral history collection, archival research (mainly in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania), and storytelling services. I specialize in uncovering the stories and ancestral roots of Central European Jewry, helping you connect with your family’s past on a deep, meaningful level. The extent of my research depends on your objective. Some clients need minimal documentation for EU citizenship eligibility, while others want to delve deeper into their ancestry and family heritage.
My extensive knowledge of Jewish communities in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Romania enables me to find the exact documents relevant to your ancestral towns. I access specialized archives and records, uncovering rich details that generic research might miss. My experience can streamline your understanding of your Austro-Hungarian heritage, saving you years of questions and frustration.
I utilize a wide range of sources, including Jewish vital records, civil records, Holocaust databases, Jewish cemetery documentation, archival documents, newspapers, rabbinical literature, personal photographs, and oral histories. I also collaborate with international archives and local repositories to find authentic, verified information.
It depends on the specific case and the documentation traced from your relatives. Generally, you might receive birth, marriage, and death certificates, immigration records, deportation lists, photographs, inheritance files, documentation of ancestral gravestones, and personal stories. Each piece helps build a comprehensive family portrait. If a certified copy or official certificate is required for citizenship processes, I can help obtain them from the necessary sources. Fees and commissions may apply for documents in addition to my fee.
The timeframe varies depending on the complexity and availability of records. On average, for private clients with limited resources, I offer an initial package of limited research hours, so that on one hand I'll have efficient time to conduct an initial research, but on the other hand the expenses would be known in advance and limited. If the agreed time turns out not to be sufficient for completing the research's objective - I'll present what was already done and what information did I succeed tracing, and the client has the choice if they want to progress. More intricate investigations may require additional time. I keep clients updated throughout the process.
Yes, I am skilled at working with sparse data. I use contextual clues, oral histories, and secondary sources to fill gaps, reconstruct family lines, and uncover details that help tell your family’s story even when initial information is limited.
However - Jewish Genealogy is not an exact science as some sources are simply lost or unavailable to the public, so a 100% guarantee is not possible.
Absolutely. I believe every family has a story worth sharing. I can craft narratives that contextualize your ancestors’ lives, based on the information gathered from genealogical sources, highlighting their experiences, struggles, and contributions, to give your family history richness and vitality.