As synagogues and Jewish centers
close and/or merge around Long Island, the
yizkor plaques on the walls which
memorialize those who have passed are in
danger of being lost. These memorial
plaques contain names, birth and death
dates, and often Hebrew names and
patronymics.
Despite these plaques being prominently
displayed for the public, we understand that
some synagogues may be hesitant to help us
capture this information, so we are asking
you to approach the appropriate people at your
synagogue and asking if they would consider
taking part in our project by submitting
their data to us.
Why We Consider This Project So
Important
1.
Permanency.
Recently, we
have seen a number of synagogues close or
consolidate and we’re afraid that some of
the information they maintained will be lost
to time.
This database will serve as a
permanent repository for memorial records.
2.
Genealogical Information.
Many of the plaques contain Hebrew
patronymic names, the deceased and their
father’s name.
This information is very important to
genealogists because it documents a link
between two generations.
That parental link may provide a clue
to help a researcher with their European
research.
3.
It’s a Mitzvah.
Plain and simple, it's a mitzvah.
In the figurative sense, it offers help to
those who are concerned with preserving
their Jewish past. Exodus 20:12 says,
"Honor thy father and thy mother...", and
Jewish tradition offers loving guidance
through deepest grief and a gradual return
to the living, through the mitzvot of
menachem aveilim and kavod ha-met,
comforting mourners and providing dignity to
the deceased. Hebrew dates of death
can be used for yahrzeit observances.
Some Other Points to
Consider
1.
Free and Available to All.
JGSLI will never charge anyone to use
this database.
Our interest is to provide useful
information to those in the genealogical
community.
The information will be available to
anyone with an internet connection.
2.
Paper to Digital Conversion
Assistance.
JGSLI will coordinate volunteers who will
convert your paper records to our digital
spreadsheet format. JGSLI will be
happy to give you a copy of the finished
spreadsheet, which you can use internally to
help find information on site.
3.
Donor Never Loses The Rights
To Their Data.
JGSLI will require Donors to affirm
that JGSLI has their permission to make
their information available in our database
on a
non-exclusive basis.
Therefore, there we do not limit the
use of their data for any other purposes
they deem fit. The Donor retains all
underlying rights to their original data.
If you can help us to
obtain data for our new project, we would
greatly appreciate your participation.
If you have any questions or want us
to talk to a representative from your
synagogue, please contact Nolan Altman at
MPP@JGSLI.org
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