Avotaynu

Avotaynu, a Yiddish word, translates literally to "our fathers" or "our ancestors." In genealogical contexts, it refers specifically to the Jewish Genealogical Society, Inc. (JGS, Inc.) and its flagship publication, also titled Avotaynu.

The Avotaynu publication is a quarterly journal devoted to Jewish genealogy. It provides articles, research tips, book reviews, databases, and other resources for individuals researching their Jewish family history. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including archival resources in various countries, historical contexts relevant to Jewish communities, paleography (reading old Hebrew scripts), onomastics (the study of names), and methodologies for tracing ancestors.

The Jewish Genealogical Society, Inc., founded in 1984, aims to foster Jewish genealogical research, promote the preservation of Jewish genealogical records, and educate individuals about Jewish family history. The society has numerous local chapters around the world. Beyond the journal, Avotaynu is also associated with Avotaynu Online, which provides online databases and resources for genealogical research.