Unveiling the Past: Temple Kol Tikvah's Jewish Genealogy Group Connects Generations

August 2024

By Rhoda Miller

In the heart of Davidson, the Jewish community at Temple Kol Tikvah has discovered a remarkable way to connect with their heritage and history. The Jewish Genealogy Group, a vibrant and growing initiative, has become a focal point for members eager to explore their roots, share family stories, and preserve the legacy of Jewish traditions for future generations. "Our goal is to create a space where members can learn about their ancestry, understand their family's journey, and connect with their heritage in a deeper way," explains Sylvia Gabrieli, one of the group's founding members.

A Journey of Discovery

With the support of a grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors and the cooperation of the Jewish Council of Lake Norman, the group was founded in response to a burgeoning interest within the Temple Kol Tikvah community.

As a newly retired Certified Genealogist®, I moved to the Lake Norman region three years ago from Long Island, where I was active in the Jewish Genealogy Society of Long Island since 1995 and am a past president. I was determined to find a way to start a group in my new community at Temple Kol Tikvah. With interested people signed up at the annual Mona’s Jewish Deli Fest and interest among the senior group, Healthy Active Living, and other Temple members, the group just completed its first year of meetings. Participants were attracted from the Charlotte area, farther than initially imagined. This interest mirrors a wider trend among Jewish communities worldwide, where uncovering family histories has become a meaningful way to strengthen cultural identity and familial bonds.

Meetings and Activities

The group meets monthly, offering a range of topics designed to support members in their genealogical research. These topics include beginner strategies, deciphering historical records, conducting oral history interviews, and using online resources such as JewishGen.org, newspapers, and Holocaust research. Members range from beginners to advanced researchers who have attended conferences of the International Association of Jewish Genealogy Societies (IAJGS). The next conference will be held in Philadelphia, Aug. 18-22, 2024, where I will present two beginner programs. See www.iajgs2024.org for further information.

As a companion to my enthusiasm for providing beginner programming, I will be the featured genealogy speaker on a Mediterranean cruise from May 13-22, 2025. See https://www.gotailoredtravel.com/travel_package/37/genealogycruise for details.

Impact on the Community

The impact of the Jewish Genealogy Group extends beyond individual discoveries; it has strengthened the bonds within the Temple Kol Tikvah community. Allie Gulotta, Religious School principal, invited me to do genealogy programming under the Better Together grant. Events over the school year have brought together seniors, students, and their families to share artifacts and oral history stories, and to create family history books. By comparing their

journeys and findings, members create a sense of collective heritage and pride. This communal aspect of genealogy has been particularly meaningful for younger generations, who gain a profound appreciation for their ancestry and cultural identity.

Looking Ahead

As the Jewish Genealogy Group at Temple Kol Tikvah continues to grow, its members are excited about the future and planning for the upcoming year.

The next meeting will be held on Sept. 29, at 1:00 p.m., to begin the fall season. For further information, contact admin@templekoltikvah.org.

For those interested in joining the Jewish Genealogy Group, Temple Kol Tikvah welcomes all who wish to embark on this journey of discovery. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or a curious beginner, the group offers a warm and inclusive environment to explore your heritage and connect with others who share a passion for preserving Jewish history.