
Jewish Cemetery in Plunge.
Photo taken by Ted Margulis in August, 1994
|
Town or City |
Mesta |
|
District |
Uyezd |
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Sub-District |
Uchastok |
Note: Shtetls that are a part of the Lida District Research Group Project of JewishGen's ShtetLinks, have LDRG next to their names. Places that are a part of the Raseiniai District Research Group Project have RDRG next to their names.
Shtetl names change from time to time. One helpful resource is the LITVAKSIG
Shtetl/Uyezd/Guberniya Table
www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/sug.htm
BTW, no shtetls (towns) have been wiped out during the Holocaust. This is a common misconception about the destroyed Jewish communities according to well known and respected genealogist Alexander Sharon.
Anyone looking for information about a town in Lithuania or a surname, should first do a search in the
All Lithuania Database (ALD)
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/searchald.htm
To read the many articles available via the LITVAKSIG On-line Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
German- Lithuanian town names
equivalency
http://www.kartenmeister.com/
"The Lithuanians"
A Blog dealing with Lithuania and includes information and videos
http://www.thelithuanians.com/
Books


"Lithuanian Jewish Communities"
This book is based on a much larger series of volumes written in Hebrew called "Yahadut Lita." It was translated by Nancy Schoenberg. The book begins with a description of
Lithuania over the years beginning in about 1200 BCE. The book includes the listing of some 375
Lithuanian communities with a varied amount of information about each. Some smaller shtetls are not listed. In addition to the listings of shtetls, the book contains maps of Lithuania by section, lists of Holocaust survivors by town and data including a Resource Bibliography list.
Maps
Maplinks can be found on my
Lithuania page by
Clicking here
Yizkor Books
All of the Pinkasim translations are indexed at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Pinkas_lita/Pinkas_Lita.html
Cities and
Shtetls
of Lithuania

Typical Market Day
Abel
See Obelai
Adutiskis
http://www.ushmm.org/research/library/family/books/
http://www.avotaynu.com/nu0.htm
http://www.holocaustinthebaltics.com/RASARIMICKAITE,APRILTOJUNE2009.pdf
Akmene
The Siauliai District Research Group has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://www.visitlithuania.net/index.php/component/content/article/54-cities/613-akmene.html
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/akmene-mazeikiai.html
Emigration
http://www.corkindependent.com/history/history/in-the-footsteps-of-st.-finbarre-(part-223)-tangents-and-cultural-encounters-/
Holocaust
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lithuania3/lit3_001.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lithuania3/lit3_001.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Shana Mink Katz
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00155.html
Alanta (Alantos)
Holocaust
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/minsk/minsk_pages/min_stories_report.html
http://www.pusalotas.org/13tour.shtml
http://holocaustinthebaltics.com/holocaust/lithuania
http://www.thebreman.org/
Records
http://www.mindspring.com/~peggyf/97c_des.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/HTML/OnlineJournals/Another%20Surnamer%20Surfaces.htm
http://www.cjh.org/pdfs/Lithuania.pdf
http://www.pusalotas.org/research_travel.shtml
Synagogue
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"

A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Aleksotas
A neighborhood in Kaunas, a part of
Aleksotas elderate. In the west it is surrounded by Marvelė, in the south by
Kazliškiai, in the east by Freda. The old town of
Kaunas is located on the other side of the Nemunas River. These two neighborhoods are connected by Aleksotas bridge. Notable objects are a church, a chapel, a library, an airport for sport planes, glass factory. Main street across the neighborhood is Veiveriu street. All of the public transport is provided by buses.
Books


"The Truth and Nothing But the Truth: Jewish Resistance in Lithuania"
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/aleksotas-kaunas-county-kaunas-district.html
Holocaust
http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/revolt/gelpernusdiary7.html
http://www.flora-and-sam.com/finalversion/finishedversion/pages/KovnoHistory.htm
Maps
http://wikimapia.org/1770817/Aleksotas
Photos
http://www.jewishgen.org/suwalklomza/Aleksota.htm
Suwalk-Lomza Interest Group
http://www.jewishgen.org/suwalklomza/Aleksota.htm
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/kaunas/kau139.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00512.html
Alsedzhiai
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Dena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org//litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/alsedziai.html
Holocaust
http://www.archive.org/stream/theirbrotherskee010843mbp/theirbrotherskee010843mbp_djvu.txt
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/bfcmain.html
Research
http://www.cjh.org/pdfs/Lithuania.pdf
http://www.archive.org/stream/theirbrotherskee010843mbp/theirbrotherskee010843mbp_djvu.txt
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lita/lita.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00144.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/Shtetls/salsedziaitk.htm
Alvitas (Alytus, Olita, Alite)
Located south of
Kovno (62 Kilometers SSW), about 60-70 km from
Vilnius, and is part of Trakai District. It is divided into two parts by the Neman river. One part once belonged to
Poland and the other to Lithuania or Russian Empire, depending upon the year. In Yiddish it was known as
Alite - 'Litvishe Alite and Polishe Alite'.
Group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
Among the towns in Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas
Holocaust
http://www.vilkaviskis.lt/go.php/lit/English/209
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/pinkas_lita.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
The 1858 Revision Lists for the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://tracingthetribe.blogspot.com/2010/03/jewishgen-yizkor-book-project-february.html
http://www.vilkaviskis.lt/go.php/lit/English/209
ShtetLinks page
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Alytus/alite.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00138b.html
Alyta
Holocaust
There is a memorial for the mass graves where many Jews from
Butrimantz were murdered in 1941. The graves are in the huge, dense Vidzgiris Forest where the victims were brought and shot." The memorial is a quite large Mogen David.
http://dwp.bigplanet.com/dnsasportas/einhornholocaustmemorial/
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Butrimonys/but091.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/Butrimonys/but017.html
http://www.lithnames.nux.co.uk/dates.php
Books


"If I Forget Thee . . . The Destruction of the Shtetl Butrimantz"
Includes a photo. Testimony by Riva Lozansky, edited by Olga Zabludoff, and published by Remembrance Books.
http://www.lithnames.nux.co.uk/dates.php
Records
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lita/lit1475.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Butrimonys/but091.html
Alytus (Olita)
A city with
municipal rights in southern
Lithuania. It is the
capital of
Alytus County. Its population in 2007 was 68,835. Alytus is the historical centre of the
Dzūkija region. The city lies on the banks of the
Nemaunas River. The major highways linking
Vilnius,
Kaunas,
Lazdijai, and
Hrodna in
Belarus pass through Alytus. The distance from
Alytus to Kaunas is 70 km (43 mi)the distance from
Alytus to
Vilnius is 105 km (65 mi)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alytus
Holocaust
http://dwp.bigplanet.com/dnsasportas/einhornholocaustmemorial/
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
Locality Index
http://www.avotaynu.com/lithuanialist.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Synagogue
A large, brick facade shul is still standing and is over 100 years old.
Yizkor Book
http://www.lithnames.nux.co.uk/dates.php
Aniksht -
(Anikst, Anyksciai)
http://www.vitreouscom.com/rabbis-and-jewish-inst.html
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/aniksht.html
Holocaust
http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/bhyom/july.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pogrom
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/lita/lit0089.html
Research
1816 Josvainiai Revision List
http://www.jewishfamilyhistory.org/1816%20Josvainiai%20Revision%20List.htm
Synagogue
There were six synagogues in this shtetl, including one that belonged to the Chassidim who had a rabbi of their own.
http://vitreouscom.com/jewish-life.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lita/Lit1589.html#Page1599
Antakalnis
(Antalkalnis)
The Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://www.litvaksig.org/index.php?option=com_sug&id=10&view=details&Itemid=84
Among the towns in
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Karnajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk).
Records
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/lithuania/magid72.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/Shtetls/santakalnisvv.htm
Antalepis
(Antakalnis)
Lithuanian-Jewish Special Interest Group
http://www.litvaksig.org/index.php?option=com_sug&id=10&view=details&Itemid=84
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
Vilnius Guberniya Vital Records
http://www.litvaksig.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=article&id=86&Itemid=83
Yizkor Book
In 1850 That Shtetlach of Disna Uyezd were in
Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in That Central State Historical Archives of
Lithuania.
Antazave (Antazove, Antuzovo)
Had a Jewish community before WW II
http://www.musupaveldas.lt/en/main/pilys
Tracing the Tribe: The Jewish Genealogy Blog
March 4, 2010 issue
http://tracingthetribe.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html
Books


"Worlds Apart: The Re-migration of South African Jews"
Authored by Colin Martin Tatz, Peter Arnold and Gillian Heller
"The Litvaks: A Short History of the Jews in Lithuania"
Authored by Dov Levin
Holocaust
http://www.zarasai.lt/tic/en/index.php?kas=39&ids=4&idm=1
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00149b.html
Anyksciai (Anykshchiai, Anyksciai, Anycsciai, Anixt, Aniksht)
The Ukmerge (Vilkomer)
District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Ragova, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva
Anyksciai
is being researched by Dr. Sheldon I. Clare at
clare@imap.pitt.edu
Holocaust
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lithuania3/lit3_001.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00151.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lithuania3/lit3_001.html
Ariogala
(Rogala) (RDRG)
City of Ariogala is in Raseiniai district in
Kaunas county. The city itself forms Ariogala City Eldership with 3627 inhabitants. Ariogala is located 25.8 kilometer from Vilkija; 39.7 kilometer from
Kulautuva; 42.8 kilometre from Ezherelis; 43.2 kilometre from
Raseiniai; 43.4 kilometre from Kacergine.
http://flagspot.net/flags/lt-kurar.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariogala
http://www.jewishfamilyhistory.org/Ariogala%20Cemetery.htm
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Kaunas district are
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/ariogala.html
DNA
http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?group=Ariogala
Maps
http://www.maplandia.com/lithuania/kaunas/raseiniu/ariogala/
http://www.goxn.com/world-map/lithuania-143-map/ariogala-26289-map.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact David Hoffman
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
http://www.jewishfamilyhistory.org/Ariogala.htm
1931 Telephone Book for Ariogala
http://www.jewishfamilyhistory.org/Ariogala%20Cemetery.htm
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00135.html
Babtai (Bobti; Bobt; Bobty; Babet; Babty; Babtu; Babtay)
http://data.jewishgen.org/wconnect/wc.dll?jg~jgsys~shtetm~-2612928
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/vandziogala-kaunas.html
Holocaust
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/babtai.html
http://www.museumoffamilyhistory.com/hme-lithuania.htm
Records
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There is 1 item from 1887-1902 available. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/html/vital-p4.htm
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00161.html
Baisogala
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/
http://metagini.com/location/Lithuania/Baisogala/194111/Web%20Links/
Among the towns in Siauliai district are
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city) Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/bessagola.html
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/grinkiskis.html
Holocaust
http://www.agcholocaustlibrary.org/countries/lithuania.html
Radviliskis District Video
http://www.radviliskis.lt/content/view/290/1/
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Prof. G. L. Esterson or Clint Shill
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/lane/xyw76/ginkisk.htm
Yizkor Book
http://metagini.com/location/Lithuania/Baisogala/194111/Web%20Links/
Balberishkis
A small town in Kaunas County, Prienai district in central
Lithuania. It is situated on the left bank of the Neman River. It currently has a population of 1,180.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balbieri%C5%A1kis
http://flagspot.net/flags/lt-kuprb.html
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/balbieriskis.html
Holocaust
http://www.jewishvilkaviskis.org/Holocaust%20Database%20ab.html
Maps
http://www.maplandia.com/lithuania/kaunas/prienu/balbieriskis/
http://www.traveljournals.net/explore/lithuania/map/m3591978/balbieriskis.html
Photos

Jewish Bath House
http://www.krozeja.net/Places/Balbieriskis/BalbieriskisJournal/6_28_2004.html
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
http://archiv.soc.cas.cz/SSEE/app.f56.htm
http://konyr.info/
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00179.html
Barstyciai
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well ad for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Dena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Cemetery
http://www.krozeja.net/Places/Balbieriskis/BalbieriskisJournal/6_29_2004.html
DNA
http://www.jewishgen.org/dna/genbygen.html
Emigration

http://tinyurl.com/32r5dnc
Holocaust
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/html/sorrow_ak.htm
Records
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeol99x/litvaksigvitalrecordstranslationproject/2008.10.01_arch.html
http://tracingthetribe.blogspot.com/2010/04/lithuania-vilnius-project-info.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00182c.html
Batakai
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedama, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Cemetery
http://www.seligman.org.il/kretinga_holocaust.html
Holocaust
http://www.seligman.org.il/kretinga_holocaust.html
http://www.lithuanianjews.org.il/HTMLs/article_list4.aspx?C2014=14378&BSP=14330&BSS6=13971
http://motlc.wiesenthal.com/site/pp.asp?c=gvKVLcMVIuG&b=395175
Research
http://www.jewishfamilyhistory.org/1816%20Vidukle%20Revision%20List.htm
Yizkor Book
Bazilionai (Bazelon, Bazilian, Bazilainiai) - see
Padubysys
Bazilionai is a small town in
Šiauliai County in northern-central
Lithuania. It is situated on the bank of the
Dubysa River on the road connecting
Šiauliai with
Sovetsk former trade route to
Tilsit.
Davida Noyek Handler, Coordinator of LitvakSIG found a surviving family member in this Shtetlach in a trip to
Lithuania in 1997.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/bazilionai-see-padubysys.html
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/saukenai.html
Books


Emigration
"Worlds Apart: The Re-migration of South African Jews"

Photo
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Bazilionai
http://www.bfcollection.net/cities/padubysys.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Scott Singer
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
http://www.globalarchitectsguide.com/library/Bazilionai.php
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00168.html
Beletsy
The
Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Lida district are
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Orlya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zheludok.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/saukenai.html
Bildziugi - (Bildyugi)
The
Disna District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Disna district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Batya Olsen
batya@netsynthesis.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Disna district are
Bildziugi, Disna, Glubokoye, Postavy.
Disna Uyezd Research Group
In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
http://groups.google.com/group/soc.genealogy.jewish/msg/f582b1a70ca97de4
Holocaust
http://www.seligman.org.il/braslav_holocaust.html
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/glubokoye/glubokoye.html
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/sharkovshchyzna/sharkovshchyzna.html
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/postavy/postavy.html
Records
1850 Revision List
for the Disna Uyezd
Birshtonas
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Birzai (Birz, Birzh, Birzhai,
Birsen in German and Birzhi in Russian)
A district capital near the
Latvian border, on the banks of the Amalna and Afushta rivers. It was also known as
Birsen in German and Birzhi in Russian and was part of the
Kovno government until 1920. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
The Panevezys District Research Group
Has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
Among the towns in Panevezys district are
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krakinuva, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe,
Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
-Contact Philip Schiff
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Synagogue
There is a photo of the shoemaker's synagogue in
Birzai in Volume II of the encyclopedia Judaica.
Boguslavishok
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Butrimonys (Butrimantsy, Butrimoniai, Butremantz) (LDRG)
Located south of
Kovno and part of Trakai District. Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Valkaninkas. The
Trakai district group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
Books


"If I Forget Thee . . . The destruction of the Shtetl Butrimantz"
Testimony by Riva Lozansky, edited by Olga Zabludoff, published by Remembrance Books. Mrs. Lozansky describes in detail the horrors of the round-ups and extermination of all the Jews of
Butrimantz, including names and pictures. Riva Lozansky and her sister, Tsila Shenker, were the only Jews still living there until recently, when they both passed away. The
English translation is at
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/Butrimonys/Butrimonys.html
Records
The
1858 Revision Lists
For the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Cekiske
(Chaikishok)
A small village northwest of
Kaunas.
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Records
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 2 items from 1913-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Ciobiskis
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Darbenai
The
Telsai District Research Group
Has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Dena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Darsuniskis
Located south of
Kovno is part of Trakai District
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Valkaninkas.
The Trakai district group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
Records
The
1858 Revision Lists
for the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
The 12th set of records has been translated by
The Trakai District Research Group as of October 30, 2001 and the data contains the
1858 Revision List for the town of Darsuniskis, accounting for 372 individuals living at that time.
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Datnuva (Dotnuva)
Records
An update of the
Locality Index, an alphabetical listing of towns, which allows one to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 19 items available from 1896-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
The Tax
and Voters List for 1872 and 1877 and the 1868
and 1874 Revision Lists
Available according to a posting by Arnold Davidson
Yizkor Book
A chapter from the Pinkas Hakehillot and a chapter from Yidishe Shtetl.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/translations.html.
Daugai
Located south of
Kovno and is part of Trakai District. The 1858 Revision Lists for the entire district of
Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Valkaninkas.
Dauglauskis
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. This group is looking for a coordinator. Contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are:
Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Dieveniskes (Divinishuk, Dieviniskes) (LDRG)
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Oshmiany district are
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Kreva, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book
"Sefer Divenishok; Yad Vashem le-Ayara Yehudit"
(Devenishki Book' Memorial Book)
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Disna - (Diszna)
Disna Uyezd Research Group
offers the translation of the 1850 Revision List for the town of
Druya to DURG members.
The
Disna District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Disna district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Batya Olsen
batya@netsynthesis.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/BELARUS/shtetls/sdisna.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Disna district are
Bildziugi, Disna, Glubokoye, Postavy.
Records
1850 Revision List
For the Disna Uyezd has been translated by the
Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
There is a comprehensive list of archival holdings
http://www.rtrfoundation.org/
Dolhinov
A site with many names, manifest lists and includes the surrounding areas
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/
Dotnuva
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Kaunas district are
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Dowig (Doig, Daugai, Daug, Daugay, Dauge, Doyg)
A small town in the district of Alytus in southern Lithuania
Many Jews from Dowig came to the Boston, Massachusetts, area starting around 1880. They formed a
Landsmanshaftn named
Anshe Dowig, and many are buried in a cemetery named
Anshe Dowig on Center Street in West Roxbury (part of Boston).
http://markdionne.com/dowig.html
Holocaust
http://markdionne.com/dowig.html
Druskeniki (Druskininkai)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Druya (Druja)
Records
1850 Revision List
For the Disna Uyezd has been translated by the Disna Uyezd Research
Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the
Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Books


"The Book of Druja
and the Communities of Miory, Druysk and Leonpol"
Published by Monopress, Ltd in 1973. Dennis Barbakow
barbakow@aol.com published an excerpt in the LitvakSIG page
Dusetos (Dusetas)
The
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group
contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are
Antalkalis, Dusetos, Karnajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Dukstas
Vilna/Utena International Jewish Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org//lithuania/dukshtas.html
Dvorets
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district.
Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group
contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Kreva, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Eisiskes
(Eishishok, Eishyshok)
Located in the
Lida Uezd, Vilna Guberniyas and Grodno and in
Nowogrodskie Woj., Poland.
http://members.xoom.com/newhoir/lida-site/lida-dist.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Orlya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Eishyshok Society
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EishyshokFamilyHistory/message/85
The
Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group
contact Judy Baston jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Erzvilkas (Erzhvilke)
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Michael Moshe Gans
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Gargzdai (Garzdai, Gorsd, Garzhdiai)
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Regional Special Interest Groups -
Contact Kevin Ossey
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
ShtetLinks
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Gargzdai/
Yizkor Book
Gaure
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Gedrovitz
Records
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Gelvan (Gelvonai)
"Letters from Gelvan"
Authored by Geraldine (Faigeh Giseh) Adelman Powers Volper and appearing in the July, 2001 issue of LitvakSIG Journal.
"Letters from Gelvan," is about twenty-two Yiddish letters written between 1909 and 1925 from David Peretz Andiman in
Gelvonai, Lithuania, to his son, Morris Adelman, in Cleveland, Ohio. LitvakSIG Online Journal now presents "Letters from Gelvan - A New Development," about the very unexpected discovery of her grandfather's final resting place in Gelvan.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/HTML/OnlineJournals/newgel.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Records
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist
from a posting by Joel Ratner, Coordinator, LitvakSIG Vital Records
Translation Project Joel Ratner
Joelrat1@hotmail.com
Gerliava
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Germanovichi
In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Records
1850 Revision List for the Disna Uyezd
Translated by the Disna Uyezd Research Group.
Girkalnis
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A
translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedama, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
The towns covered are
Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Glubokoye (Glebokie, Glubok, Hluboka)
The town's name means 'deep' suggesting that it is situated in a vale between two fairly steep hills. Located northeast of
Vilna. The town is also mentioned in the Encyclopedia Judaica.
The Disna District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Disna district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Batya Olsen
batya@netsynthesis.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Disna district are:
Bildziugi, Disna, Glubokoye, Postavy.
Records
1850 Revision List
for the Disna Uyezd
Translated by the Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were n Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Yizkor Book
There is a memorial book called "Churban Glubok" published in 1956 in which 'the black man' or 'the dark man' is mentioned.
Golubicy
The Disna Uyezd Research Group.
In 1850 the Shtetlach of Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Records
1850 Revision List for the Disna Uyezd
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/druya/dru_pages/druya_revision_lists.html
Golshany
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Oshmiany district are
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Kreva, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Grinkiskis
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group
contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Vekuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Grishkabudys
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Griva
Located in the
Courland province and just 6 miles south of Dvinsk (Daugavpils) in
Latvia and just north of the Lithuanian border.
Gruzdziai
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Ignalina
Located northwest of
Vilnius and about half way to Daugavpils
Ivye
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Kreva, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Jekabpils
Location: 82 km NW of Daugavpils - see also
Krustspils ShtetLinks page which is combined with Jekabpils.
Records
There is a link to a map and a list of Jekabpils
and Krustspils residents and their occupations. The 2 Shtetlach were on east and west banks of the Daugava river
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/jekabpils/jekabpils.htm
Jieznas
Located south of
Kovno and is part of Trakai District.
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Valkaninkas.
The Trakai District Group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
Records
The 1858 Revision Lists for the entire
district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Jonava (Yaneve, Yanovo)
Located in the
Kovno Uezd and near the shtetls of Seta and Vandziogala. In JewishGen's ShtetlSeeker, there are
Yanovo's/Janowa's in Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and
Russia. There are also many towns named Janow in Poland, including a
Janow Podlaski and a Janow Lubelskie. There is
also another Yonavo in Lithuania other than the one in
Kovno Uyezd - today it is called Jokavai.
Books


"The Unbelievable Truth"
Authored by Jeanne Ran Tcharnyi. There are a limited number of copies of this book which describes her growing up in
Jonava, Lithuania and her life in the Vilnius ghetto, working for Nazi headquarters in
Minsk posing as a non-Jew, spying for the partisans, and ending up in the
Russian Gulag. The book was originally published in
Russian and Lithuanian and now in English. Buying a copy benefits Jeanne personally as she lives on a very meager income. If still available, it can be purchased from
www.Avotaynu.com
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Serecizius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zapishkis, Zeimiai.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Ada Green offered a listing of Jonava Societies and Associations associated with the JGSNY Cemetery Project in a message to the JewishGen Digest group on December 10, 2000 - Message No. 4 There is a further listing in another JewishGen Digest of 12/13/00
Jonishkelis (Jonishkel)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Joniskis
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Paile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
"Joniskis Area Jewry" by Jurgita Matuliene, a teacher in
Joniskis, who was interested in information about "Zydai Joniskio rajone," the
Jews in the Joniskis regional administrative division unit (which included Zagare, Kriukai, and a number of other villages) give you a unique perspective and insight into Lithuanian Jewish History.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/HTML/OnlineJournals/Journal.htm
Josvainiai (see also Yosvain)
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Jurbarkas (Yurburg, Yurbrick, Georgenburg)
Located on the north side of the Neiman river - 75 miles (117 km) west of
Vilna.
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district.
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedama, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
ShtetLinks
There is a Yurburg ShtetLinks web page at
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/yurburg/yurburg.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Jurbarkas/yurburg.html
"The Memorial Book
for the Jewish Community of Yurburg, Lithuania"
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Jurodik
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Kaishiadorys (Kaisadorys)
"Visiting the Jewish Cemeteries in
Kaisadorys and Zasliai"
Authored by Aleksandr Feigmanis and published in the April, 1999 issue of the LITVAKSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Kaltinenai
Synagogue
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Kalvarija
(Kalwaria)
Ron Kathren has personally visited this shtetl in 1997 and gave a brief description of his observations in the 1/31/99 JewishGen
Digest on page 16.
Contact:
rkathren@tricity.WSU.edu
Records
The archives in Vilnius have 1908 homeowners' lists
from Kalwaria, but nothing else.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00590.html
Kamajai
The Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the district are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai, (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Kaniava (LDRG)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Kapciamiesis - (Kopciowo in Polish and Kopcheve in Yiddish - Kapciamiestis)
A small town a few km from the Polish and
Belarus border, at one time in the Suwalki Guberniya.
www.Kapciamiestis.org
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Kapsukas
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Karcemos
A Suburb of
Radviliskis
Kaunas (Kovno)
Kaunas was the place where the
Musar movement was founded by Israel Salanter. Musar was a counterpoint to Hasidut. There are about 500 Jews left in this city. There is a Minyan every day for Maariv.
Books


Books that contain a history and description of
pre-war
Lithuanian Jewish shtetls and towns, including Kaunas,
are listed under Regions: Lithuania on the JewishGen yizkor book
page at
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/translations.html
These books are in Yiddish or
Hebrew and the goal of the JewishGen Yizkor Book Project is to
support translation projects so that the resources can be accessible
to all. To date none of the articles in these books pertaining to
the City of Kaunas has been translated for the JewishGen
yizkor book site.
"Der Emes",
1948 (Yiddish, 214 pages) translated into English by Chaim Bargman and Robin O'Neil as a reliable source of research the History of Resistance in the Kovno Ghetto -
"the readers of this book should know that it was published during the so called BLACK YEARS in USSR when almost every word, phrases and comment were strictly censored, changed or distorted.
"From Here
To Kovno"
A documentary film, Search for grandfather's
House Leads to Family Revelations Authored by Susan Josephs
Staff Writer, The Jewish Week and published in the LitvakSig
Journal of March, 2001
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
"Heads of Households of these Kaunas Guberniya Jewish families"
Legally adopted by Riga Jewish families and, as adopted sons, were registered as belonging to Riga Jewish community with all their families. When it was found out (because of the complaints some other Riga Jews wrote - there always is somebody writing complaints), police investigated the matter and the case even reached the Senate of
Russia (at that time this was the Highest court) which finally decided that adopted sons did not have the right to become members of
Riga Jewish community automatically.
"The Hidden History of the Kovno Ghetto"

http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/kovno/
"The Jewish Immigrant in England 1870-1914"
published by George Allen and Unwin. The passenger manifest that exist are patchy, not indexed and are in the Public records Office Kew under BT 76 section.
From a posting by Saul Issroff
"Kovno Ghetto Diary"
Authored by Meir Yellin & Dimitri Gelpern, in Moscow, State Publishing House
"The Life of Nina Finkelstein"
- Recollections of a friend. Presented by The Museum of Family
History
http://www.museumoffamilyhistory.com/finkelstein-nina.htm
"My Grandfather's House"
Traces the search for the house that the author's grandfather lived in in
Kovno before coming to America in 1911. It is a film documentary by Eileen Douglas and Ron Steinman
The
Story of an Underground - The Resistance of Jews of Kovno in
the Second World War"
All that I (Dov Levin) realized already in 1961 during the preparation to publish together with the late Prof. Zvi A. Brown of our book Jerusalem Yad Vashem 1962, (Hebrew, 422 pages." as attributed to Prof. Dov Levin in a posting on 12/14/01
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
"Surviving the Holocaust: The Kovno Ghetto Diary"
Authored by Avraham Tory. This diary remains an important chronicle of 3 years of murderous Nazi rule which was used as evidence in war crimes trials. Mr. Tory died at his home in Tel Aviv on 2-24-2003, at the age of 92. He was born in 1909 in
Lazdijai. His father, Zorach, had graduated from
Volohyzhin Yeshiva, took smichas but never practiced as a rabbi. He adopted the name Tory in 1950 after arriving in Israel.
Cemeteries
With the exception of Ohel Jacob Anshe Kovno Congregation at
Waldheim Cemetery in Chicago (which contains over 7,000
burials, the majority of whom were not from Kovno), I have
cataloged all known Kovno Landsmanshaftn plots in the USA --
in New York, New Jersey, West Roxbury, MA, and Chicago (Kovner
Verein Branch #304 W. C., which is also at Waldheim Cemetery).
The burials can be searched in the JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial
Registry at
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/cemetery/
Zhaliakal'nis Cemetery
http://www.litjews.org/Default.aspx?Element=ViewArticle&ArticleID=911&TopicID=117&Lang=EN
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/html/kovnocem.htm
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/kaunas.html
http://www.lo-tishkach.org/en/index.php?categoryid=28&p2_articleid=133
http://publicrecords.searchsystems.net/Free_Public_Records_in_Other_Nations/Europe_Free_
Public_Records/Lithuania_Public_Records/
Jewish Community in Kaunas
Joseph Tatz, Chairman of the Community Council
26 B Gedimino St.
3000 Kaunas, Lithuania
http://www.inyourpocket.com/lithuania/kaunas/sightseeing/jewishkaunas
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Kovno.html
Holocaust
Fifty thousand Jews were shot to death at the Ninth Fort, a
massive fortification four miles from the city.
Hidden History of the Kovno Ghetto
Online exhibit by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum based on artifacts and documents buried as a historical record by inhabitants of the
Kovno ghetto in Lithuania. Includes many photographs, interactive exhibits, and a timeline.
http://www.ushmm.org/kovno/
Jewish Craftsmen in Kaunas Guberniya
http://litvaksig.org/index.php?option=com_journal&id=4&Itemid=89
Kaunas SIG
Ada Green is the Kaunas District Coordinator for LITVAKSIG. LitvakSIG
Kaunas Uyezd Research Group
http://home.att.net/~kovno/kaunasuyezd.htm
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a
great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in
the Kaunas district. Most of the towns are
searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this
group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among
the towns in Kaunas district are
Ariogala, Babtai,
Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas,
Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune,
Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole,
Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Kovno
There is a beautifully done web site, including photographs entitled
"The Jews of Kovno"
http://www.jewishmag.com/35mag/kovno/kovno.htm
Landsmanshaftn
Unfortunately YIVO does not currently appear to have records for any
Kovno society in its cataloged Landsmanshaftn collection
listed at
http://home.att.net/%7Elandsmanshaft/yivo.htm
Photos
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Radnicki Forest
Where Jewish partisans sought refuge and built bunkers which are still there.
Regional Archives
Chief Archivist, Kaunas Regional Archives is Vitalija Gircyte
archyvas@kaunas.aiva.lt
(Kauno Apskrities Archyvas)
Adoption had to be cancelled and they had to return to their previous places of resident in
Kaunas Guberniya. This list should be available in the
All Lithuania Database
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Records
"Kaunas Guberniya Jews Expelled from Riga"
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a list of 540 records dated 1895 showing
Kaunas Guberniya Jews expelled from Riga.
Lists of Records Acquired by LitvakSig Kaunas District Research Group
http://home.att.net/~Kaunas/kaunasuyezd.htm
https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Lithuania_vital_records
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
The most likely port of embarkation for a person from
Kovno Guberniya, would have been Libau (now Liepaja in Latvia) directly to an
English port, e.g. Grimsby or Southampton or London. Some
Scottish ports were also used. See Lloyd P. Gartner:
JewishGen vital records database at
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Lithuania/VitalRecs.htm
Kaunas, Vilnius and Nemencine Surnames
http://www.gutstein.net/kaunas/kaunas-nemenchinski.htm
Lithuania Internal Passport Project
The last entry listed under the City of Kaunas in the KRA
Online Catalog (see item A. above) is 1919-1940 Passport
Cards. There are approximately 20,000 cards for Jews who applied for
internal passports in Kaunas between 1919 and 1940. 12,000 of
these records are currently in the JewishGen Lithuanian Internal
Passport Applications database, with the remainder to come in the
future. For more information about this project, please see
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Lithuania/InternalPassports.htm
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 26 items available from 1895-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
A listing of all documents that the Kaunas district research group has received from its inception (circa
1997-98) through April 2006. That list can be found at
http://home.att.net/~kaunas/kaunasuyezd.htm
Most of these documents are in the All
Lithuania Database (ALD) at
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/searchald.htm
For information on joining the LitvakSIG Kaunas district research
group, please contact
Rabbi Benzi Saydman
ravbenzi@cox.net
-
A list of websites that contain
important resources that exist for the City of Kaunas, as
follows:
Revision and Family Lists, Tax and Voters Lists, etc.
The vast majority of the lists that the LitvakSIG Kaunas district
research group has received come from the Kaunas Regional
Archives (KRA). Their listing of City of Kaunas holdings
can be found in the KRA Online Catalog at
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/HTML/kaunas1.htm
-
Vital Records. Birth, death and
marriage records
Located in the Lithuanian State Historical Archives in Vilnius
and the ones up to 1915 have been microfilmed by the Genealogical
Society of Utah. As best as I can determine from the Locality Index
to Lithuanian Jewish Vital Records Microfilms at
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/lit002.html
Based on the limited amount of activity that I see from
City of
Kaunas researchers for items B., E. and F. above, hope that more
Kaunas researchers will become motivated because there's
almost an unlimited amount of records for that genealogically very
important town that need to be translated.
That all being said, from a Jewish population standpoint
Kaunas
was not the largest town in Kaunas District, but rather that
distinction goes to Slobodka Vilijampole. Indeed Vilijampole had the largest Jewish population in all of
Kovno
Guberniya. All of the websites mentioned above are also relevant
for Vilijampole. From a posting by Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
-
Vital records exist for the
City
of Kaunas for the following years:
Births -- all years between 1842 to 1914 except 1844-1848,
1851-1853, 1856-57, 1864
Deaths -- 1896-1914
Marriages
-- 1881-1914
Metrical books of the Kaunas Rabbinate not microfilmed are:
Births, Marriages and Deaths -- 1922-1939
Divorces
-- 1913-1914 and 1922-1939
Note that any vital records that were not microfilmed may be
subject to Lithuanian 100-year privacy restrictions which
were imposed on the Lithuanian archives when Lithuania
joined the EU.
For more information about organized Lithuanian Jewish vital
records translation projects, please see the LitvakSIG Vital
Records Translation Project website at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeol99x/
Shtetl page for the City of Kaunas
http://www.gutstein.net/kaunas/kaunas-home.htm
Slobodka Yeshiva
Usually had at least 300 students - the best of the best!
Synagogue
There was a small synagogue on Dauksos gve (Yatkever gass)
http://www.mikvahminder.com/mikvah-directory%7C%7Cfind-a-mikvah-near-you/europe/Page-7.html
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Lithuania/Kauno_Apskritis/Kaunas-448588/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Kaunas-R-2.html
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/73696/6d84c/6/
http://www.mavensearch.com/synagogues/C3408Y41763RX
Nevizazer Synagogue
Rabbi Israel Salanter was the founder of the Musar movement. He was also rabbi of
Yarburg.
Yivo's Lithuanian Jewish Communities Collection.
This is an eclectic collection consisting of thousands of
documents primarily for the period of Lithuanian independence
between the two World Wars, most of which focus mainly on the early
1920's. The documents are in Yiddish, Lithuanian, Russian, Hebrew
and perhaps other languages. The genealogical and/or historical
value of the documents ranges from the useless side of useless to
fabulous gems and it requires someone with a familiarity with these
languages to carefully look through each town's documents and sift
out the pearls from amongst the oysters.
Yivo's Lithuanian Jewish Communities Collection
Catalog,
which is not online, does not contain a good description of each
town's holdings and it is impossible to determine from the catalog
as to which items are of genealogical value. The holdings for the City of Kaunas are in folders 902-905 (totaling 181 pages),
1399-1417, 1419, 1421-30, 1434-36, 1438-42, 1451, 1478, 1540, 1568,
1570, 1587, 1672-75.
Kavarskas
(Kavarsk)
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. I understand that the Milavetz side of my mother's family came from this shtetl. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://www.siegelphotos.net/Family-Web-site/family/Genealogy/Family_Origins/origins__milavetz.pdf
Among the towns in the district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Ragova, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Photos
http://www.siegelphotos.net/Family-Web-site/family/Genealogy/Family_Origins/origins__milavetz.pdf
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
1858 Revision List
http://www.siegelphotos.net/Family-Web-site/family/Genealogy/Family_Origins/origins_Milavetz_files/origins__Milavetz_addendum.htm
Kedainiai (Keidani, Keidan)
The history of this shtetl can be found at
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/acassel/keidan/history/cassel_ch1-2.html
http://www.keidan.net/
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the
Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 19 items from 1896-1914 available. The updated Locality Index can be found
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Kelme
- (Kelem, Kelm, Kelmen) (in Yiddish it is known as Kelem)
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. There is a searchable directory of former residents available including individual information found in archival records, books, and other sources. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedama, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Cemetery
The Jewish cemetery of Kelme
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 2 items available from 1865/1869. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
A searchable directory of former residents of
Kelme,
which is in the Kovno Guberniya is available.
http://www.genealogylinks.net/europe/lithuania/
"An Eye Witness Series Article #4"
A list of Jews in Kelme as compiled by Mrs. Emilija Valanciene on April 8, 1988 and published in the December, 1999 issue
of LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
"An Eye Witness Series Article #2"
Glimpses of History: Jewish Organization in Kelme
Authored by Vaclovas Rimkus,
"Biciulis," December 16, 1992 and published in the November, 1999 issue of LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Information for
Kelme may be available at
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
The Krubelnik Family is being researched by
lauren1@melbpc.org.au and
Lhamilton@mayerbrown.com
For extensive information on Kelme,
contact Robert Weiss at
RWeissJGS@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
List of Jews in Kelme
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/html/OnlineJournals/eyewit4.htm
Kesselenne
A farm village located near Moletai.
Klaipeda (Memel)
The third largest city in
Lithuania and was visited by Ted and Shirley Margulis in August 1995 as a large part of our Cohen family lived here. It is a rather large port city and there was, prior to WWII, a large Jewish presence. During
German rule, it was known as Memel.
Galina Baranova, the head Archivist in
Vilna, advises that there are some records in the State Historical Archives - but not rabbinical ones. The head of the Jewish Community in
Klaipeda stated that most of the records of the pre-war
Memel were taken to Berlin. Martha Lev-Zion of Israel, received a letter from Dr. Vakaru Lietuvos at the University of Klaipeda dated January 21, 1997 which contained the following information about Jewish records:
"At the end of WW II, the Germans attempted to take the
Klaipeda (Memel) archive with them as they retreated westwards, some parts were left behind." " The documents disappeared somewhere in
East Prussia." "However, Polish scholars
have recently confessed that part of the Klaipeda archive is stored, un-catalogued in the vicinity of
Olsztyn." "We are trying to find the means to copy this resource and house it in
Klaipeda." "Another part of the evacuated archive disappeared near
Pillau (now under Russian control)." "A third section is preserved in the
Lithuanian Central State Archives (Lietuvos Centrinis Valstybinis Archyvas - Oskaro Milasiaus g.21, LT 2051 Vilnius), but
Lithuanian scholars have neglected this (largely from ignorance of German) and it too is very poorly catalogued. " Dr. Vacys Vaivada (Archivist) LCVA, Oskaro Milasiaus 21, LT 2051 Fonds that may be of value include: 1217; 1256; 1452; 1493; 1605; 1606; 1611; 1614; 1615; 1633 r. p.; 1634; 1635 and 1636.
Photo
A photo of this city can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
City Travel Guide
http://www.inyourpocket.com/Lithuania/Klaipeda_home.shtml
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Klykoliai
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Koshedary
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Kovno - see Kaunas
Krakes (Krok)
A town in central
Lithuania, 16 km Northwest of Kedainiai. The population in 1959 was 1,047 (1,800 in 1938). It is the center of a rural community belonging to the
district of Kedainiai.
There is a ShtetLinks page
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/krakes/krakjews.htm
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 6 items available from 1896-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Krakai
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns: Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Krasne
A site with many names, manifest lists and includes the surrounding areas
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/
Krazai (Kruzh, Kraziai, Krazhiai)
Including a map of the area, notable
events, oral history and a database
http://www.zah.ndirect.co.uk/Krazai.htm
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. A
translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis. This group is looking for a coordinator.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Krekenava
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zeimelis.
Kretinga - (Kretingale, Kretinge, Kretingen, Krettingen, Krottingen, Kratinga, Myasto Kretinga, Kretynga, Kretingos).
Located 129 Km W of
Siauliai. Telsiai is 67 km W of Siauliai.
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Dena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in the Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Krevo (Kreva)
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district
are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Krinchiunai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Kriukai
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare
(new and old).
Krivichi, in Vileyka District
Now in the Miadeli district, Minsk Guberniya in
Belarus
Books


"The Complete Black Book of Russian"
Authored by Ilya Ehrenburg, Vasily Grossman and Irving Horowitz. This book is 579 pages. In March of 1942, government officials brought twenty carts of plundered goods and valuables from
Smorgon to Krivichi. Jew were summoned to unload them and later were murdered.
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/belarus/krivichi-vileika-uyezd-vilna.html
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/dolhinov/d_pages/d_stories_shinuk.html
Records
The Archivist at the
Lithuanian State Historical Archives states that they do not have any vital records for this town, located in the Vileika district, however
Krivichi is now in the Miadeli district, Minsk Guberniya in
Belarus.
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/krivichi/krivichi.html
Research
Comments from former residents, and photos
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/dolhinov/dolhinov.html
Krottingen
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Rosalyn Livshin
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Krustpils
Location: 82 km NW of Daugavpils -
see also Jekabpils ShtetLinks page which is combined with
Krustpils, there is a link to a map and a list of Jekabpils
and Krustpils residents and their occupations. The 2 Shtetlach were on east and west banks of the Daugava river
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/jekabpils/jekabpils.htm
Kruvonday
A small village in
Kaunas Guberniya had a Jewish presence.
Kudirkos Naumiestis
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Joseph Rosin
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Kudirkos-Naumiestis ( See also Vladislavov)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
"Kuono Redybo"
The equivalent of
Kovno Guberniya.
Kupishkis (Kupiskis, Kupishok, Russian = Slavianisky)
Kupiskis, known in Yiddish as Kupishok, was home to 1,444 Jews before World War II. Today no Jews live in
Kupishok. Amazingly, however, there are nearly 60 people around the world researching their Jewish ancestors from this small
Lithuanian town. Most of them are listed in the
JewishGen Family Finder
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
For more information on the
Kupis`hok SIG (Special Interest Group), please contact the SIG coordinator, Ann Rabinowitz, at
annrab@bellsouth.net, or the SIG Secretary, Linda Cantor at
kupiskis@lcantor.org.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/kupiskis/kupishok.htm
Among the towns in
Ukmerge district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Ragova, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Emigration
In furtherance of my research into individuals who stated that they came from a specific shtetl on records which can be found on the well-known subscription genealogy site, I am providing names from
Kupiskis, Lithuania:
Minna Lichternik; Zippe Tannelson; Basche Wad; Golde Wad; Zalel Adirim; Berl Goiberblatt;
Benjamin Burger; Motel Efroimowitz; Fenne Efroimowitz; Abram Feinberg; Chane Hamesisky; Tanchem Jaffe (Joffe); Jankel Karpow; Rochel Kopelmann; Mottel Kotton; Beniamin Lewin; Dawid Lipowitz; Aron Lutz; Abe Rosinkowitz; Leib Schewschowitz; David Schreiberg; Scholem Tolkert; Judel Zwillmann
This is another means of locating your families. Not all individuals specified their shtetl. Further, this site does not allow searches by
Lithuania or other Baltic states, only Russia.
From a posting by Ann Rabinowitz
Holocaust
During the summer of 1941, more than 1,000 Jewish men, women and children - about one-fourth of
Kupishki's population were murdered by men under Werner Loew, a Nazi appointed mayor and police commander assigned to this town.
Wall of Memory Holocaust Memorial
Dedication trip to Kupiskis, Lithuania. The Memorial will be one of the first shtetl commemorations to be constructed in
Lithuania with actual names of victims in recent times. It is an important event for those whose families are from
Kupiskis and vicinity who were killed in 1941. The information can be found on the following web site:
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/kupiskis/memproject.htm#
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
The Kupiskis, Lithuania ShtetLinks site
has been updated including the Cemetery records as well as a new section for
Kupiskis Cemetery Records. Additionally, there is now a Kupiskis family photo gallery. These photos are arranged by family and new photos will be added in time.
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/kupiskis/kupishok.htm
Travel
Trip
Kurenets
(Kurenitz, Kurenits, Kuznitse)
A map and detailed information about this shtetl can be found at
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/kurenets/kurenets.html
Jews lived here since the beginning of the 18th century and populated the many small shtetls around according to an 1867 census.
Kurkliai
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"

A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Kurseniai (Kurshenai)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Paile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Kurtuvenai (Kurtovian)
Books
"A Jewish Life Under the Tsars"
The autobiography of Chaim Asonson, 1825-1888"

Authored by Ira Leibowitz - gives some insight into life in that period in
Serednik, Russia (now Seredzius, Lithuania) as well as in
Shadova (Seduva), Kurovian (Kurtuvenai) Mitau (Jelgava, Latvia) and
Telz (Telsiai)
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/jewishlife_tsars.htm
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai District are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Paile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Kvedarna (Chweidan)
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Contemporary records relating to Kvedarna are located in the
Lithuanian State Historical Archives, Vilnius Lithuanian Archives, Kaunas Hamelitz Database, HaMagid Database, Poor Jews' Temporary Shelter Database, All Lithuanian Database, New York Burials
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Kvedarna/kve-records.html
Kvesai
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Kybartai
(Kibart, Kybart )
Books
"The Book of Remembrance of the Jewish Community of Kybart"
was authored and translated by Joseph Rosin in 1988 at
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/translations.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Laizuva (Laizhuva)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Paile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Laukuva
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Lazdijai (Lazdei)
A major update by ShtetLinks has been made at their site
http://www.jewishgen.org
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Leckava
Books
"Visiting Leckava Jewish Cemetery"
Over 150 names found in the Jewish Cemetery are available in an article published in the May, 2000 issue of the LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Paile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Leipalingis (Leipalingus)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Leipuniai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Leonpol
Books
"The Book of Druja" and the Communities of Miory, Druysk and Leonpol"

Published by Monopress, Ltd in 1973. Dennis Barbakow
barbakow@aol.com published an excerpt on 8/10/1997in the LitvakSIG page
The Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Records
1850 Revision List for the Disna Uyezd
Lida
The
Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Ligum (Ligem)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Linkuva (Linkove)
A village in northern
Lithuania on the banks of the Musa river. It is 25 miles (40 km) northeast of
Siauliai (Shavili) the nearest large town.
"Visit To Lithuania"
For the Blumsohn Family
http://www.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/map.htm
Maps
For maps and for the story.
This web site includes a copy of a page from a 1939 Lithuanian telephone book that includes the towns of:
Leckava, Leipalingis, Lekeciai, Leliunai, Lenkimai, Lesciai, Liduokiai, Lieplauke and Linkuva
and photos of people from Linkuva, Holocaust resources and the Blumsohn Family Tree.
Plot Map
of Linkuva in 1863.
Click on the map for detailed
view of the map and ownership of plots.
http://guest.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/linkuva.htm
http://www.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/18cmap.htm
Photos
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
http://www.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/app1z.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
Contact is Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/links.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Lintup
One of several shtetls located
near Svencionys. Tsilia Matskin-Tsiblin created a web page
relating her experiences in traveling to Lintup, her ancestral town
in 1924.
www.jewishgen.or/yizkor/svencionys/sve1445.html
Lipnishki
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district.
Jsaltman@email.msn.com Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Lomza-Suwalki SIG
The SIG has been publishing data in it's
Journal Landsmen, since 1990. On the Web page is a listing of everything that has been published to date.
www.lomza.org
Cemetery
Information about the restoration of the Jewish cemetery and a partial listing of the names of the deceased are available by contacting George Puchall at
gpuchall@aol.com
Luoke (Luknik, Loknik)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD (All Lithuanian Database).
To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Luzhek
Records
1850 Revision List
For the Disna Uyezd was translated by the
Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Lygumai (Ligum)
Located in the north of
Lithuania - 13 miles northeast of Siauliai in the
Shavili District of the County of Siauliai in Kovno Guberniya. It is six miles from the nearest train station that is located in
Statziony.
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD (All Lithuanian Database). To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of Lygumai can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Malat
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Mariyampole (Marijampole,
Mariampol, Mariyampole)
Holocaust
This town was occupied by the Germans on June 22, 1941 (the day operation Barbarossa was announced). The first mass killing was on July 3, 1941, second on July 13, 1941 and then September 1 followed by November 15. Of interest is the fact that the community in
Kovno knew nothing of the first killings in Marijampole.
Photo
An informative ShtetLinks Home Page for
Mariampol, including photos
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/mariampol/mariampol.html
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
Search all of the Vital records on LITVAKSIG' s ALD (All Lithuanian Database)
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There is 1 item available from 1893. The updated Locality Index
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Yizkor Book.
The translation of the necrology from "Mariyampole al gedot ha-nahar Sheshupe" (Mariyampole on the River Shewshupe) can be found by following the links starting at
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor
Mazeikiai (Mazheikiai)
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD (All Lithuanian Database). To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/lithuania3/lit3_001.html
Yizkor Book (Yahadut Lita)
translations.html
Memel (see Klaipeda)
A large, seaport town that has been influenced a great deal by the
Germans in the past.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Merkine (
Meretz, Mertch, Meretch)
Located south of
Kovno is part of Trakai District and the Trakai district group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes, and
Valkaninkai.
Books
There is a list of prominent people in the book
"Lithuanian Jewish Communities"
Authored by Nancy and Stuart Schoenberg.
Photos
There is a JewishGen site for this town including photographs at
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/meretch/meretch.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
1858 Revision Lists
For the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Mikhalishok
(Mikaliskis)
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Miory
Books


The "Book of Druja"
And the communities of
Miory, Druysk and Leonpol - published by Monopress, Ltd in 1973. Dennis Barbakow
barbakow@aol.com published an excerpt on 8/10/1997 in the LitvakSIG page
Moletai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Mosedis
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Musnik
Revision Lists
And/or family lists exist.
Musninkai
A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
"Lost Wooden Synagogues" web site
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Myadel (Miadel, Miadelai)
Prior to the First Partition of Poland, all records and documents were written in
Polish (thus, Miadziol or Miadziel) The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Records of 1784 were written in
Polish but records after that date were written in Russian
(thus in the Revision Lists of 1811 the spellings were Miadel and Miadelai). In
Yiddish one hears Mah-del. In the Myadel area many languages formed the base of understanding:
Lithuanian, Polish, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian and Russian. Although for residents of
Myadel, Belarusian is currently the native language, the current, and only legal language, in
Myadel is Russian. There is a lot of information at the
Myadel web page at
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Myadel/
Nabiloki
The Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Naishtot (Neustadt)
The name means new city or new town and is located 57 kilometers (97 miles) West of
Vilnius (Vilna) and about 10 miles NW of Vilkaviskis, very close to
Lithuania's west border. Naishtot, Lithuania (Kudirkos-Naumiestis) It was known as
Wladyslawow while Polish.
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Naishtot/naishtot.html
Nemajunai
Naujoji Zhagare
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Naujamiestis
(Naumiestis)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Nemaksciai
On July 22, 1941,
German soldiers and local Lithuanians assembled all the Jewish men in the district from age 14 and up, and took them from
Nemaksciai to Vidukle. On July 24, 1941, the were taken to a nearby lake between
Nemaksciai and Vidukle and were told to wash, forbidden to dress, and were then immediately shot and buried in a mass grave nearby.
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. This group is looking for a coordinator To volunteer or to learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker at
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedama, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu, Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Nemencine
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Nemunaitis
Located south of
Kovno is part of Trakai District and the Trakai district group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Valkaninkai.
The 1858 Revision Lists
For entire district of Trakai has been translated, and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Nida
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Nowy Dwor
The Lida District Research Group
Has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Novy Gorod
Revision Lists
and/or family lists exist
Obeliai
(Abel, Abeliai, Abel, Obel, Abele, Abeli, Obeliai, Obeliu, Obelyah, Obyaltyay)
Located in the northeastern part of
Lithuania. No Jews live in this shtetl but did up to the late 1930s. Names of some of the families who at one time lived in
Obeliai which was then located in Lithuania. Links to Cemetery Restoration; References and Research Sources;
The Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Antalkalis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Photos and a Map are part of the contents of this site.
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/obeliai/families.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Emma Freeman
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
In 1915, the Tsar of Russia decided that the Jews may be
spies for the Germans since Yiddish and German
languages were so similar. He ordered all Jews in the territory
of Lithuania, not already occupied by the German army,
to leave and go to the eastern part of Russia.
Along with others, the Rabbi in Obeliai, went deep into eastern
Russia taking with him all of the Obeliai Jewish pre-1915
vital records. He ended up leaving those vital records in an
archive in Moscow. They have been stored there for the past
91 years or so and are the only known pre-1915 Obeliai vital
records to exist. This is a very rare find since it is not easy
to obtain records from the Moscow archives.
LitvakSIG acquired an English
translation of those Obeliai records - containing 539 birth
records, 126 marriage/divorce records, and 228 death records - a
total of 893 records dating from 1881 to 1915. Anyone donating
a minimum of $100 USD to the LitvakSIG Vital Records Translation (VRT)
project, designated for Obeliai, will receive an Excel
spreadsheet containing all of these records. Additionally, we are
hoping to obtain the 1921-1939 Obeliai vital records. If we
are successful, all $100 donors will receive these records as well.
Many of those listed in the Obeliai vital records actually
lived in one of the shtetlach in the vicinity of Obeliai so
many towns in the area are listed. You can make your donation either
online via a secure site with a credit card or, you can mail in your
credit card information or your check.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/HTML/donate.htm
"Yizkor Book
Bukh fun Rakishok un Umgegnt"
(Yizkor Book of Rakishok and Environs)
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/obeliai/obelmain1.htm
http://www.jewishgen.org/JewishGen-erosity/projectdesc/YB_Rokiskis.html
Olkeniki (Valkonik)
Cemetery
The remains of a Jewish cemetery is still evident with at least 100 gravestones according to a posting by Ernest fine
efine@cygnet.org
Orlya
The Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Orlya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Oshavitz
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Oshmiany
The Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Because Oshmiany was in the area that was once Lithuania, the
1858 Revision List for Oshmiany and other towns in the Oshmiany District is in the Lithuanian State Historical Archives. You can find this list at the searchable All-Lithuania Database. To learn how to become part of this group contact Joanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Research
The 1858 Oshmiany Revision list
Enumerates 310 households and 1,500 individuals. The village is not described in "Lithuanian Jewish Communities" by the Schoenberg's and there is no Yizkor Book.
Ostryna (Ostrynia)
The Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Orlya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Paberzhe (Pabirzhe)
The Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Padubysys (Bazilan, Bazilian, Bazilainiai)
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pajure (old)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pajouris (Pajuris)
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. This group is looking for a coordinator. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net .
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajouris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pakrujois (Pokroi, Pakroujas)
The district is located in the northeastern part of
Siauliai County, on the Latvian border.
http://www.randburg.com/li/pakruojdi.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Regional Special Interest Groups Contact Robert Fleischman
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Palanga
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pamusha (Pamusi)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Panemune (Panemunelis)
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Paneriai (Ponary)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Panevezys (Ponavesh, Panevezhys)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Papile (Papyle)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Pazibai (Pashva)
Located 86.5 miles NNW of
Vilna
Pasvalys - (Posvol)
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 3 items available from 1883-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Pasvitinys
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Pavandene
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group
contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Pikeliai
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Regional Special Interest Groups -Contact Shana Mink Katz
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Pilvishkiai (Pilviskis, Pilvishok)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Joseph Rosin
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Pirchiupis
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Platelis
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Plisa
1850 Revision List
For the Disna Uyezd is currently being translated by the
Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Plunge (Plungian)

Yossel Bunka's Holocaust Statue in Plunge Jewish Cemetery
Photo taken by Ted Margulis in August,1994
Located between
Kaunas and northeast of Klaipeda (formerly Memel)
and just a few miles from Telsai.
In 1860, it was situated in the Kovno Guberniya. Quite a few
residents moved to Johannesburg, South Africa around 1895 where they
established a Plungianer Society to help keep those from the area in
close contact with each other.
This is the shtetl where we found Yossel Bunka, the Internationally recognized wood carver and the only Jew still living in the town. He showed us the mass grave of the 75 Jewish teenage girls who were murdered by the Nazis as well as the 18
hand-carved living tree Holocaust statues that he personally carved and set in place as a memorial to those Jews who died here.
The
Telsai District Research Group
Has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The story of
Plunge by former resident Yossel Bunka
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/plunge/plunge.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Hamelitz Database of Names
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/druya/dru_pages/druya_hamelitz.html
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 4 items available from 1859-1964. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Resident Names (some)
Choritz, Bedil, Jaffe, Blacher, Lipshitz, Faktor,
Bloch, Kaplan,
Synagogue
The large Synagogue, the new Beit Hamidrash and the three “Kloizim”
of the Haredim, that were situated on the “Shulhof”, were at
the center of the Religious life of Jews in Plunge. In 1719
the first Synagogue was erected. Jewish houses were situated in the
center of the town and on the main streets. In 1769 the Bishop of
Zhamot agreed to permit the rebuilding of the Jewish synagogue which
had been built on Church lands, on condition that it would not rise
higher than the Catholic Church. As the Jews did not abide by this
condition, a heavy fine was imposed. It is not known how long it
took to repay.
Yizkor Book
"Plungyan; A Memoir"
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_lita/lit_00484.html
Pobrade (Podbrzezie)
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Robert J. Saex
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Pokroi (Pokroj, Pakroi)
A town very near
Linkuva. Birth, Marriages and death records from the archives are available according to a statement made at
http://www.btinternet.com/~ablumsohn/story.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Pokroijus
Located in Panvejsh Guberniya and adjacent to
Kovno.
Polangen
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Rosalyn Livshin
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Ponar
70,000 Jews were murdered and thrown into pits which still remain.
Ponavezh (Poniewiez, Panevezys)
Photo
A video showing Jewish life - taken in 1932 by a man who went back to visit his family. The film also contrast life then with what remains there now. The video includes portions from the
Ponevezh Jewish cemetery, which the Soviets destroyed in 1972 and used the broken-up gravestones to construct a wall in downtown
Ponevezh. Contact H. Mechanic 490 Duryea terrace, West Hempstead, New York 11552 for further information.
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 3 items from 1905-1909 available. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Postavy
The
Disna District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Disna district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Batya Olsen
batya@netsynthesis.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Disna district are:
Bildziugi, Disna, Glubokoye, Postavy.
Research
1850 Revision List
For the Disna Uyezd is currently being translated by the
Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Prenai (Pren)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Pumpenai (Pumpian)
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Research
The 1834 revision list
for Pumpenai that is currently on the ALD is only an INDEX. That is why you only see the names of the Heads of Households. We are quite sure that the whole list does exist for
Pumpenai and for a few other towns in the Panevezys Uyezd. Those lists would include all of the family members.
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 2 items available from 1909-1913.
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Punia
Located south of
Kovno is part of Trakai District and the Trakai district group
coordinator is Robyn Blum trekrobyn@comcast.net
Among the towns in Trakai district
are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes and Viskaninkai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists
For the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Pusalotas (Pushelat)
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Yizkor Book
"The Life and Death of a Shtetl"
translation is available
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/yizkor/
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Radoshkovichi
(Radshkovich)
A site with many names, manifest lists and includes the surrounding areas
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/
Eilat Gordin Guest Book
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/radoshkovichi/r_pages/rad_gb_archive03.html
Radun
The Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostrynia, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Radviliskis (Radvilishkis)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Raguva
(Ragova)
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district
are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai,
Zelva.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Rakishok (Rokiskis, Rakishik, Rakishki, Rakiszki,
Rokisky)
Located in the northeastern part of
Lithuania, a web site has been developed by Emma Freeman
em-ma@rocketmail.com for a nearby shtetl of
Abel (Obeliai)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
"In regard to my research which I have been conducting regarding the shtetl of
Rokiskis, there is much to be found in the databases which relates to it on the well known subscription genealogy site. It is just a matter of knowing how to find it and what search parameters to utilize. I found that the most efficient way to search is by either family name or town or country name. Unfortunately, access to data on
Lithuania or Latvia as countries is not provided. However, they do have
Russia as a choice."
"This left minimal choices to locate people from an ancestral shtetl, so I depend on using the ADVANCED SEARCH feature. Once there, I usually plug in either the name and or checking EXACT or by leaving it as is. Another thing I utilize is
Rokisky and other spellings of Rokiskis in the KEYWORD(S) section. Either way, I always find interesting data."
"Be aware that when you put in different spellings of
Rokiskis, you will get back a certain number of people who had that spelling as their surname and they were not from
Rokiskis at all. For instance, there were numerous people called "Rokisky"."
"An interesting example of someone who was born in
Rokiskis is David Lewis BERELOVITZ, born December 5, 1880. He is not listed in the
Rokiskis birth records at all and the pertinent information on him is from his U. S. WWII Draft Registration Record. Evidently, he left
Rokiskis and came to America and settled in Johnstown, PA, at 234 Franklin Street and was living there at the time of the Draft Registration on April 27, 1942. Further research by those interested in this family name might reveal that David Lewis BERELOVITZ might be the same person as David Louis BERELOVITZ who lived in Whitman, MA."
"In this regard, another Berelovitz is Freida BERELOVITZ, age 17, who left behind her mother Kerse BERELOVITZ and went to her brother David who was living at 20 Bedford Street,
Whitman, MA, on June 25, 1908."
"Two other Rokiskis-born individuals were Mondel SCHWAITZ, born 1871, and Moses SCHWAITZ, born 1879, who came to
New York on November 19, 1904. They too are not noted in the
Rokiskis records. Another person is Berel ORELOWITZ, born 1863, who left
Hamburg and went to Boulogne and then New York on August 4, 1901. Funny enough, there is a listing for a Berel ORELOWITZ in the 1910 Census for Freida BERELOVITZ's brother David in
Whitman, MA."
"Some others who were listed as being born in
Rokiskis in their WWII Draft Registration were: Samuel KATZ, born May 1, 1886, living in
Portsmouth, VA; Morris POVILL, born May 9, 1878, living in
New York; and Samuel SELIGMAN, born April 12, 1887, living in
Portsmouth, VA."
"Others who departed from Hamburg were:
Hana ABELOWITZ; Hirsch BERLOWITZ; Joel BERLOWITZ; Leizer BERLOWITZ; Leib BRUK; Welwel CHAIMOWITZ; Fanny GAR; Jochel GORDA; Mottel KRUK;
Gerson ORELOWICZ; David POPLAK; Samuel REBI; Schmul ROSIN; Salmen SCHOCHET; Chazkel SEGAL; Motel SIMELEWITZ
"The ship "Kronprinz" left Hamburg on December 30, 1903, headed for
Amsterdam, Las Palmas and finally landed in South Africa, and with her she carried
Rokishokers: Hirsch (born 1891), Joel (born 1890) and Leizer Berlowitz (born 1863) as well as Leib Bruk (born 1865). None of these individuals were to be found in any of the
Rokiskis births."
"Then, there were those who came to
New York from various other ports:
Jossel Facubovitz; Bero KIEL; Ette KIEL; Riwke KIEL; Sisse KIEL; Mones OGHEROWITZ; Chawe SAITOWITZ; Annie ADELMAN; Jacob ADELMAN;
Leib SELIKMAN; Nechame SELIKMAN; Riwke SELIKMAN"
"There were noted several who came to Boston:
Annie HAMBURG; Hirsch LIEBMAN; Josef LIEBMAN"
"As you can see, there are names you are familiar with from
Rokiskis and those you may not be. The benefit, I found, of utilizing these databases is that if they fall within certain years, you will most likely find the birth dates of the family members who you have been unable to find in the
Rokiskis vital records. This may be due to the fact that the vital records did not exist for the years your relative was born in."
"I found that it is important to look through all of the databases no matter whether you think your relative might appear in them or not. You may find yourself surprised to find that they moved around more than you thought. For one family I looked at, they were found to have lived in various different states in America and various cities, all in the space of thirty years."
"I hope that you find this of assistance and that it gives you some insight into additional sources for family information. It is important to note, that you cannot just utilize one source alone. You have to link both the records you may find on a for pay web site with the JewishGen/Litvak SIG and
Rokiskis SIG as well as South Africa SIG databases."
"It is important to continue to support obtaining all records so that you have the best chance of making a match to locate your families. You never know what the next batch of records will bring to your research!!!"
From a posting by Ann Rabinowitz
Rakishok Yizkor Book
(selling)
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rakishok-yizkor-book-chabad-lithuania-holocaust
Ramygala
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis
Raseiniai
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Raseiniai district. These towns were primarily in the areas that were earlier parts of
Kreis Czarnikau and Kolmar. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional
revision lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878
in respect of towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are:
Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis,
Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai,
Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage,
Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Ascherbude, Batakai, Behle, Buchwerder, Carolina, Corda, Dauglauskis, Dragefeld, Dt. Czarnikau, Dt. Filehne, Dt. Usch, Ehrbardorf, Eichberg, Fissahn, Floth, Follstein, Fratzig, Gaure, Girkalnis, Glashuette, Gornitz, Gross Drensen, Gross Kotten, Gross Lubs, Gruenfier, Hammer, Hansfelde, Huettchen, Ivenbusch, Jurbarkas, Karishorst, Kelme, Kienwerder, Klein Drensen, Klein Lubs, Kottenhammer, Kraziai, Kreuz, Kueddowtal, Kvedarna, Lemnitz, Ludwigsdort, Marienbusch, Mariendorf, Minettenruh, Mischke, Nemaksciai, Neu Behle, Neudorf, Neuhoefen, Niekosken, Pajuris, Putzig, Putzighauland, Radolin, Radosiew, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Runau, Schoenlanke, Selchow, Selchowhammer, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sophienberg, Stieglitz, Stoewen, Straduhn, Sveksna, Taurage, Theerofen, Theresia, Tytuvenai, Uschhauland, Vainutis, Wiesental, Zaskerhuette Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact
Sam directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
http://www.netzekreis.de/ortschaften/ortschaften.html
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/ariogala.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact David Hoffman
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Redutka
Rietavas (Riteve, Ritove, Ritavas)
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional
revision lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878
in respect of towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis,
Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai,
Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage,
Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu Naumiestis.
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact
Sam directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book
"Riteve: A Jewish Shtetl in Lithuania"
Rimse
(Rimshany)
Rokiskis (Rakishok, Rokishki, Rokishkis, Rokishok)
Located in the northeastern part of
Lithuania, there is a web site by Emma Freeman
em-ma@rocketmail.com for a nearby shtetl of
Abel (Obeliai)
The
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book
"Yizkor Bukh Fun Rakishok un Umgegnt"
(Yizkor Book of Rakishok and Environs)
Published in Johannesburg written in Yiddish in 1952. Check with inter-library
loan to obtain the book.
A memorial list has been added to this site.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/rokiskis/
A Yizkor Book translation is available at
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/yizkor/
Rozalimas (Rozalia)
Cemetery
There is a lady who now lives in the house known to have been the home of the Rabbi. There is little left of the
cemetery according to Kenneth Zucker who visited this town
kenneth.zucker@btinternet.com
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Dora Bloom
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Synagogue

"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Rumsiskes
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Sakai (Shakiai)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Salakas
(Soloki)
Located in the
Ezhereni-Zarasi District.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
The Kaunas Archives has records
Research
The Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district
are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Salantai
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
An emigration list containing the surname, given name, both parents name, maiden name, emigration year, age, to and notes. Contact is Elaine Cohen
elaco@att.net
Salociai
(Salaty)
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Anthony Salata
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Saukenai
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Savinishkis
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Shnipishok
The last Rav of
Shnipishok survived the War, and eventually moved to
Israel. His name was Rav Gustman, and he passed away
a number of years ago. He is survived by a daughter (and others) who resides in
Jerusalem, and whose name is Mrs. Pesha Berniker. She speaks
English.
Research
Residents whose donations to various Jewish causes were printed in HaMagid, can be found (in Hebrew) in the following issues:
4/1872 (Supplement to #14, p. 168)
5/1/1872 (Suppl. #17, p. 207)
5/22/1872 (Suppl. #20, p. 244).
No other Shnipishok donor lists other than the above appear in HaMagid from 1856-1900.
Sebezh
Located northeast of
Dvinsk and Vilna in the southwest part of the
Velikiye Luki Oblast and close to the Latvian border.
Seda (Siady or Syady in Russian and in Swedish records it is listed as Schad)
In the Lithuanian dialect spoken in the vicinity of
Telsai, the 'sh' (sch) sound is pronounced 's'. Therefore 'Schad' is pronounced 'Sad' by the locals.
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Synagogue
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
There is a wooden synagogue that was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Seduva (Sheduva)
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Books


"A Jewish Life Under the Tsars" The autobiography of Chaim Asonson, 1825-1888"
Authored by Ira Leibowitz - gives some insight into life in that period in Serednik, Russia (now Seredzius, Lithuania) as well as in
Shadova (Seduva), Kurovian (Kurtuvenai) Mitau (Jelgava, Latvia) and
Telz (Telsiai)
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/jewishlife_tsars.htm
Cemetery
The Jewish cemetery of Seduva
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Seirijai
(Serey)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Senoji Zhagare
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Seredzius (Sierijai)
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Books


"A Jewish Life Under the Tsars" The autobiography of Chaim Asonson, 1825-1888"
Authored by Ira Leibowitz - gives some insight into life in that period in
Serednik, Russia (now Seredzius, Lithuania) as well as in
Shadova (Seduva), Kurovian (Kurtuvenai) Mitau (Jelgava, Latvia) and
Telz (Telsiai)
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/jewishlife_tsars.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Serey (Serei, Serai, Seree, Serehai, Serheya, Serijai, Seyriay)
There were relatively few Jews existing here before WWII. It is located just 13.3 miles NE of Vilnius.
http://www.gutstein.net/kaunas/kaunas-nemenchinski.htm
Cemetery
http://www.iajgsjewishcemeteryproject.org/lithuania/seirijai.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
"Return to Serei"
An article by Chana Rosen appears in the September, 2001 issue of the LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Synagogue
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
All that is left of the wooden shul in this shtetl are the foundation stones.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Seta (Shat or Shaty)
A very extensive web page, developed by Ada Green, which is located in
Kovno Guberniya. Today it is in the Kedainiai district, but in the 19th century, it was located in the
Ukmerge district. Most of the Lithuanian Archival Documents
for this town are listed.
http://home.att.net/~shat/
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
The Ukmerge (Vilkomer)
District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Ragova, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
A family named Strom lived here
Yizkor Book
Further information may be available at
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Shaki (Sakiai)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Sharkovshina
Research
1850 Revision List
for the Disna Uyezd translated by the Disna Uyezd Research Group. In 1850 the Shtetlach of
Disna Uyezd were in Vilna Guberniya and the records reside in the Central State Historical Archives of Lithuania.
Shchuchin (Shukian)
The
Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are: Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostrynia, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Shetai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Shirvint
Research
Revision Lists and/or family lists exist.
Shirvintai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Shnurel
Life in the Shtetl of Shnurel
http://www.litvaksig.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=article&id=115&Itemid=122
Shventoyi
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Siaulenai
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Siauliai (Shavel, Shiauliai, Shavli) (the city)
Books


"An Eye Witness Series Article #1"
Following the traces left by Fascist Killers, authored by Mary Javno-Voronova in
Siauliai in 1960 and published in the November, 1999 issue of the LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Cemetery
The
Jewish cemetery of Siauliai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
The LitvakSIG All-Lithuania Database (ALD) has 719 records for Siaulenai from the 1858 revision list and 177 records from the 1866 additional revision list. The 1765 and 1784 revision lists may also be available
Records for Siauliai exist in
the Lithuanian State Historical Archives (LVIA) and
include:
Births - 1882 and 1910 - 1939.
Marriage and deaths - 1922 - 1939.
Some years may be missing.
Shavli site linked to a database of about 1,700 records of people who live in
Shavel
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/shavli/shavli1.html
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed 149 records from the 1827 revision list
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvakesearch
Silale (Shileliai)
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional
revision lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878
in respect of towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are:
Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis,
Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai,
Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage,
Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact
Sam directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Siluva (Shilava)
This shtetl was in the Raseiniai Uyezd.
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional
revision lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878
in respect of towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are
Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis,
Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai,
Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage,
Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajouris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact
Sam directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists for
Siauliai include this shtetl.
Simnas (Simno)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Sirvintos (Shervint, Shirvintai)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
There are vital records/marriage documents from 1896.
Skapiskis (Skopishok, Skapishkis, Skopishki)
The
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Skaudville (Shkudvil)
Located in
Kovno Guberniya.
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional
revision lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878
in respect of towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis,
Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai,
Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage,
Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact
Sam directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Skudoas - (Skuodas)
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Slobodka (Slobodke, Vilijampole)
A town (suburb) directly across the Vilya river from
Kovno with a few thousand Jewish residents before WW II. There were three famous Yeshivas located there; "Knesset Yisroel", "Knesset Beth Isaac" and
"Or Ha-Khayim" which were attended by more than one thousand yeshiva boys. There is an interesting and informative web site that will be of interest at
http://www.onforeignsoil.com/chapter27.htm
Records
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 25 items available from 1862-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Yizkor Book
"The Last Jews of Slobodka"
A web site that offers much information
http://www.seligman.org.il/slobodka_holocaust.html
Slutzk
Cemetery
There is a Jewish cemetery in this town located just outside of
Minsk according to Rabbi Yehuda Fried of Nesivos Yeshiva Tours to
Lithuania and Poland
fried@sefer.org
Smorgon
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Snipishok
Revision Lists
and/or family lists exist.
Snipiskes
The
Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Solsk - (Soly was known as Solsk in the 19th century)
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district
are
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki,
Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Research
1929 Poland Business Directory
http://www.jewishgen.org/jri-pl/bizdir/bd1929.htm
Stakliskes
(Stoklishkiai)
Located south of
Kovno is part of Trakai District and the 1858 Revision Lists
for the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum trekrobyn@comcast.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Trakai district are
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes, and Valkaninkai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Sudargas (Sudarg)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Survilishkis
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Suvainiskis (Savinishkis, Suvinishok, Suveinishki)
The
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Saul Adelman
adelmans@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Aniakainis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Savinishkis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk)
Svencionys (Shvintzion, Svinzian,
Sventzionius)

Lithuanian Jewish
Memorial
Photo taken by Ted Margulis in 1994
Other neighboring Shtetlach covered in the book (New-Svintsyan, Old and New-Dugelishok, Ignaline, Lingmian, Kaltinian, Duksht, Podbrodz, Lintup, Kimelishok, Haydutsishok, Stoyotsishok, Meligan, Jikevinesh, Palush, Gaviken, Vidz, Kozyan, Koblinik, Niementshin, Postav, Yadi, and
Myori)
Svencionys was formerly known as
Swieciany before WWII, when it was part of Poland. It is about 50 miles north east of
Vilnius (Vilna). It had a pre-war population of 8,000 of which almost half were Jewish. My wife and I visited the town in 1995 and have
photos some of which are shown on this site. The town square today, was previously the Jewish part of town and there is a wonderful large, metal statute of an old woman mounted in the middle of the square. A picture of the statue in the middle of the town square is shown at the top of this web page. The town itself looks like a typical Lithuanian shtetl and has a very well kept Jewish cemetery. We noticed some tombstones going back to the early 1700s.
Photo of Synagogue
http://members.core.com/~mikerose/polsynagog.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Hamelitz Database of Residents
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/druya/dru_pages/druya_hamelitz.html
Revision List Records
For any number of years, though apparently 1858 was the last year for which a full census was conducted for towns throughout
Russia. Both Yad Vashem and YIVO have archival material.
Marjorie Rosenfeld
marjorierosenfeld@earthlink.net has a great deal of information on her web site dealing with information on this town. Nancy Collier Holden has taken over the editing job from Marjorie
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/svencionys/svencionys.html
Yizkor Book for the Svinzian Region
"Sefer Zikaron le-Esrim ve-Shalosh Kehillot she-Nehrevu be-Ezor Svintsian"
(Svintzian Region; Memorial Book of 23 Communities) - most of this Yizkor book is on-line
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Svencionys/svencionys.html
This book is about 1,300 pages with some 600 covering
Svintsyan. The initial 179 columns contain many photos and a good deal of Svencionys history and should be of interest to all researchers with ties to this shtetl.
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/svencionys/sve1889.html
"Memorial Book of 23 Jewish Communities"
Edited by Shimon Kane, former resident of Svinzian in Israel and published in Tel-Aviv in 1965. This site contains much information dealing with the Jews of the area
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Svencionys/svencionys.html
Niv Goldberg is the coordinate
of the Svencionys Yizkor book translation
http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/svencionys/svencionys.html.
Svedesai
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Sveksna
The
Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajouris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Tauragnai
(Targin, Tavroginy)
Taurage
(Tavrig, Taurogen)
In Yiddish, the name is
Tavrig
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.genealogy.jewish/2010-06/msg00384.html
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
As part of my recent research into locating individuals on the well-known subscription genealogy site via the shtetl they came from, I am providing the following list of individuals who came from
Taurage or Taurogen:
These are individuals who sailed from
Hamburg:
Max Abramowitsch: Gutel Abramowitz; Gite Aronsohn; Abram Bank; Emil Baumgard; Marcus Beder; Sore Beker; Berel Berelowitz; Emma Bergmann: Frume Bethilel: Siman Bethilel; Jacob Bloch; Hirsch Brenner;
Hirsch Chaimowitz; Hane Chasan; Golde Dawidsohn; Israel Dawidsohn; Jacob Dawidsohn; Josef Dawidsohn; Mosche Dawidsohn; Schewe Den; Abram Eber; Elias Epstein; Scheine Fuhrman; Israel Itzik Hak; Ette Harasinsky; Rochel Haskelowitz; Scholem Itzikson; Heiman Kamros; Hirsch Kaplan; Moses Kaplan; Hirsch Katz; Breine Kobelkowsky; Mnuche Kobelkowsky; Moses Kobelkowsky: Smuel Kobelkowsky; Chawe Kurs; Daniel Kurs; Dawid Kurs; Dawid Leiboszik; Itzig Lewenson; Dawid Licht; Abram Lippmann; Note Lossus; Amalie Mann; Bernhard Mann; Bertha Mann; Dora Mann; Hanne Man; Ida Mann; Jeny Mann; Jonas Mann; Rafael Mann; Sara Mann; Zicilie Mann; Elias Meierwitz; Neche Meierowitz; Jossel Olrchinowitz; Abe Orelowicz; Elie Oser; Ephraim Owschejowicz; Chaje Owschejowitz; Gute Rosing; Lina Sachs; Feige Salomon; Isaac Salomon; Male Salomon;
Mere Salomon; Chirsch Schitzer; Ele Schlachter; Otto Schreiber; Menoche Segal; Sore Segal; Aron Silber; Chane Silerner; Chaskel Silerner; Golde Silerner; Michel Silerner; Riwke Silerner; Sore Silerner; Lena Zechman; Joseph Zechman; Schlome Zechman
Others who sailed from Bremen to the port of
Galveston, Texas:
Josef Dawziger; Abram Geiserowitz; Ester Geiserowitz; Feide Geiserowitz; Josiel Geiserowitz; Lila Geiserowitz; Nisch Geiserowitz; Zabel Geiserowitz
Yet others who sailed to Philadelphia, PA:
Beile Appl; Jerone Appl; Leib Appl; Meyer Appl; Ture Appl; Leib Feldman; Berle Jankelawicz; Lina Marker; Liebe Reif
There were also those who came to the port of New York:
Mowsche Fonerow; Schmul Gluck; Dobre Goldstein; Liebe Goldstein; Hirsch Hirschowicz; Schule Kaplan; Mendel Safrin; Esther Schein; Moses Schein; Nesse Schein; Beines Scheindler
And finally, those who gave Taurogen as their birthplace on their U.S. WWII Draft Registration:
Maurice William Bliss; David Daniel; Myer I. Drebin; James Dubin; Abraham Epstein: Barney Goodman; Philip Israel Grossman; Louis Isaacson; Isidore Miller; Chatskel Schrage; Emil Schweinert.
From a posting by Ann Rabinowitz
Tauragnai (Toriguin)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Telsai (Telz, Telschi, Telse, Telsh, Telshe, Telshie, Telsze, Teltsch, Telzh)
There existed a very famous Yeshiva which was moved to
Cleveland, Ohio and is in existence to this day.
Books


"A
Jewish Life Under the Tsars" The
autobiography of Chaim Asonson, 1825-1888"
Authored by Ira Leibowitz - gives some insight into life in that period in
Serednik, Russia (now Seredzius, Lithuania) as well as in
Shadova (Seduva), Kurovian (Kurtuvenai) Mitau (Jelgava, Latvia)
and Telz (Telsiai)
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/jewishlife_tsars.htm
"The First Martyrs in Our Village of Telsai 1914-1918"
Authored by Velvel Zev Noy - a first hand account of the
German invasion of Telsiai in 1914 as narrated by Velvel (Zev) Noy (1908-1993) who was born there. The article appears in the May, 2000 issue of LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
"Telz"
Authored by Yosef Rosin
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/telz/Telz1.html
The
Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
Marriage records from
Telsiai from 1854-1875 and 1881-1884. There are over
700 records available.
Other records may be available according to a posting by Aaron
Roetenberg and Olga Zabludoff of 1/15/07.
Telz Yeshiva
Existed between 1875-1941, was one of the largest and famous. Nearby was a small yeshiva or "mchina" and a school for young children. And there was a Kollel for students for ordination or "simcha."
Tirksliai
Synagogue
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
A wooden synagogue was located in this community.
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Traby
The
Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Trakai
Ancient capital of
Lithuania. It had a tiny Karaite population - the Jewish sect that recognizes the Scriptures as the sole source of religious law, to the exclusion of the Oral law.
Among the towns in
Trakai district are:
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes, and Valkaninkai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Records
The 1858 Revision Lists for the entire district of
Trakai and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Joshua Rothfarb. To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net
The Trakai district group coordinator.
ShtetLinks
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Trakai District
in Vilnius Guberniya
Includes these shtetls:
Alytus, Aukstadvaris, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Druskienniki, Jieznas, Merkine, Mikalavas, Miroslavas Nemajunai, Nemunaitis, Onuskis, Paluknys, Pivasiuniai Punia, Ratnycia, Semeliskes, Stakliskes, Trakai, Valkaninkai, Varena, Vievis, Zasliai, Ziezmariai
Trishik
"My Childhood in Trishik"
An eyewitness account of life in the shtetl in the 1870s and 1880s are related in the October, 2001 issue of the LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Tryskiai
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Tytuvenai (Tzitovian)
Located south of
Siauliai and east of Kelme. In 1997, according to a report by Les Gediman on 8/10/1997, there was one Jewish teacher, Tatjana living in the town.
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well aA
translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district.
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
for other towns in the Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
This group is looking for a coordinator. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Cemetery
It is hard to find. There is a memorial stone with the following words written in
Lithuanian: "Fastistinio - Teroro - Aukoms 1941-1943 (Fascist Terrorist Victims, 1941-1945) - most were Jewish women and children. Another location has three metal plaques fastened to a common headstone, written in
Yiddish, Hebrew and Lithuanian. "In this Place, The Nazi Murders and Their Collaborators, on 25 June 1941, Killed 140 Tzitovian Jewish Heroes. Most residents were buried in Shidlova (Siluva)
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajouris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Travel
"A Jewish Lithuanian Rip Van Winkle"
By Les Gediman is at
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/Luthuanian/indexn1c.html
Ukmerge (Wilkomir, Volkomir, Vilkomer, Vilkomir)
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Cemetery
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.genealogy.jewish/2007-04/msg00446.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
1858 Revision List
For the Vilkomer district of Kovno Guberniya has been acquired and is more than 1,200 pages long.
Upyna
Located about 5 miles north of
Taurage. At one time it had a population of 500.
Utena - (Utian, Utziany)
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Shana Mink Katz
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Uzpaliai (Ushpol)
The
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupishkis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Uzventis - (Uzhventi, Usventis
)
This was in the Siauliai Uyezd.
The
Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists for Siauliai included this shtetl.
"An Eye Witness Series Article #3"
The Jews of Uzventis in 1941 is a list of Jews compiled in 1977 by Mrs. Stases Butkeviciene from this town and published in the December, 1999 issue of LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Vabalninkas (Nobolnik, Obolnik, Vobnolnik, Abolnik)
Located northeast of
Ponavezh
The Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zheimelis.
Books


"I Thought I Would Die Without Telling"
Utyan's Feygitchka Yoffee
"Escaped Hitler By Hiding With A Priest"
As written by Dovid Katz
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/Luthuanian/indexn1b.html
"The Jewish Museum in Vilnius Lithuania
has a collection of 140 negatives in black and white with portraits, names, addresses, and occupation of the entire Jewish population of
Vabalninkas. Additionally, the museum has photographs of views of the city, the synagogue, and groups of Jewish people, as well as historical material on the Jews who settled there."
"All of the photographs are from before 1941 and some may be as early as the early 1900's. The museum would like to publish an album or a book about
Vabalninkas which would include all of the above. However, a lack of funds prevents them from doing so. If there is enough interest from those researching
Vabalninkas, I will obtain an estimate of what it would take to produce an album or book, and let you know. We can then see if it is a feasible project. Another possibility is to create an index of the names in the photographs, as well as in the other material. Once the index is created and available on the internet, individuals could send an order to the museum and obtain a copy of a particular photograph. This project is not connected with LitvakSIG. Please let me know what your interest in this project is, if any.
Howard Margol homargol@aol.com
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Vaiguva - (Vaigeve)
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Vainutis - (Vainute, Vonota)
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. This group is looking for a coordinator. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in
Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Anyone interested in obtaining this information should contact Sam
directly about joining the group. Sam Aaron
sa@cumberland6.demon.co.uk
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Valkaninkas - (Olknik Olkieniki, Olkinik, Olknik, Valkininkai, Valkininkai, Volkonik) now called Valkiniki.
Located 30 miles southwest of
Vilna it is part of Trakai District and the Trakai district group coordinator is Robyn Blum
trekrobyn@comcast.net To learn how to become part of this group contact Robyn Blum
Among the towns in Trakai district are
Alytus, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Jieznas, Merkine, Nemunaitis, Punia, Stakliskes, and Valkaninkai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
1858 Revision Lists
For the entire district of Trakai has been translated and most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Synagogue
This shtetl had a wooden synagogue and is referred to in
"There Once Was A World" Authored by Yaffa Eliach.
"Lost Wooden Synagogues"
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
Vandziogala - (Vendzhigola, Vandziogala)
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There is 1 item available from 1891-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Yizkor
Book
Information may be available at
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Varena (Oran, Warna, Veroni)
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists
has been translated by the Trakai District Research Group
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Varniai (Varnai, Medininkai, Vorne, Worni, Vornen)
The Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai District are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Research
The Varniai Vital Records
translation project has
a set of documents. Marriage information from 1852 to 63, 1865 to 66
and 1868 to 1870 has recently been distributed. Marriages
right through to 1906 and Births, deaths and divorces. $100
will allow you access to all documents as they arrive. Contribution
details are available by contacting Susan Cooper-Gerichter
suzecooper@yahoo.com.au
Vashki (Vashki, Vashka, Vashkiaii, Voshi)
Panevezys Uezd, Kaunas Guberniya. It is about 18 km from
Pasvalys, Linkuva, Zeymel and Salat in the northern region of
Lithuania and close to the Latvian border. There were about 110 Jewish families prior to WW II. A history discussion about the area, and Lithuania in particular can be found at
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/vashki/vashki.html
This site has a lot of interesting information about Lithuania in general.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Eilat Gordin Levitan
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Vasiliskis - (Vasilishki, Vasilishok)
Vasilikov
Located near
Vilna
Vaskai - (Vaskiai, Konstantinova, Vashki, Voski)
Vegeriai - (Vegere, Wegere, Veghery)
The Siauliai District Research Group has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Veisiejai - (Vishai, Wiejsieje)
Veiveriai - (Vyver, Vaiver, Weywer)
Veivirzenai - (Varzhan)
Veksnia
Regional Special Interest Groups
Contact Shana Mink Katz
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Veliuona - (Vilon, Vilan, Volin)
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There is 1 item available from 1913-1914.
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Velvirzenai
Verzai
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Vichodnitza
A web site, based on the memories about this shtetl, was the basis entitled
"The Shtetl and I",
http://www.vishnive.org/e_viho.html
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/vishnevo/v_pages/vish_gb_archive1.html
http://yiddish.haifa.ac.il/tmr/tmr11/tmr11014.htm
Vidiskiai - (Videshok, Vidzi)
Vieksniai -
(Viekshny, Veksnia)
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Viesintos -
(Veshinta, Viesintai)
Vievis - (Veviya, Vuya, Vevis)
The following towns are part of
Trakai District in Vilnius Guberniya:
Alytus, Aukstadvaris, Butrimonys, Darsuniskis, Daugai, Druskininkai, Jieznas, Merkine, Mikalavas, Miroslavas Nemajunai, Nemunaitis, Onuskis, Paluknys, Pivasiuniai Punia, Ratnycia, Semeliskes, Stakliskes, Trakai, Valkaninkai, Varena, Vievis, Zasliai, Ziezmariai
Cemetery
"The Vievis Jewish Cemetery"
An article written by Harold Perloff in the November, 2001 issue
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists
Translated by the Trakai District Research Group
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Vileyka (Wilejka)
Located in the
Vileyka Uezd, Vilna Guberniya. Photos, comments by former residents and others are available
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/vileyka/vileyka.html
Vilijampole - (Vilijampole Slobodka, Vilyampolskaya Sloboda)
See also Slobodka above.
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Vilkaviski
(Vilkovishk, Vilkaviskis, Volkovishki, Wolkowysk, Vilkoviskis)
The former
Wladislawow, which has been noted to have been called
Neustadt. A town in S.W. Lithuanian SSR.
According to tradition, Jews were living in this area in the 14th century and a synagogue was built at the beginning of the 16th. By the 19th century a flourishing Jewish community had developed.
Between 1823 and 1862 no new Jews were permitted to settle in
Vilkaviskis, which was near the border with
Germany,
under the czarist legislation restricting Jewish settlement in border towns. Nevertheless, the community numbered 4,417 in 1856 (as against 834 Christians), 3,480 in 1897 (60% of the total population), 3,206 in 1923 (44), and 3,609 in 1939 (45). The majority were occupied in commerce and crafts. Some derived their livelihood from agriculture and garden plots close to the town. The
Vilkaviskis
community had an active Jewish social and cultural life. Its educational institutions included a large Hebrew primary school, a science - oriented Hebrew secondary school, and a vocational school.
Holocaust
List of 950 Names
http://www.jewishvilkaviskis.org/Database.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
http://www.jewishvilkaviskis.org/Database.html
Vilkija (Vilki)
The
Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group
contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 2 items available from 1913-1914.
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Vilkovishok
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Vilnius (Vilna, Vilna, Wilno)
Both a city and a Uyezd (District). From 1918 until 1939, Vilna (Vilnius, Wilno) was in
Poland, not Lithuania. Vilnius was the birthplace of both socialism and Zionism. It once had a population of 250,000 Jews, but now there are only 4,500.
Vilnius
in the 16th Century
http://www.mapsorama.com/vilnius-in-16th-century/
http://www.balticroads.lt/en/cities/vilnius.asp

Vilna Ghetto Street Scene in 1994
Photo taken by Ted Margulis in 1994
Before WW II,
Vilna, as the city is called in Yiddish, was known as the "Jerusalem of the North" and the capital of world Yiddish culture. It housed the first Yiddish Academic Institute --
YIVO, now headquartered in New York -- and some 100 synagogues and prayer houses, and six daily Jewish newspaper. Jews have had a presence here for some 600 years and is located in southeast
Lithuania, just across the border from Belarus. The city was founded in the tenth century. From the fifteenth to the eighteenth century it was frequently devastated by plaques, fires and invasions. For four hundred years,
Vilnius was a key European center of Ashkenazic Jewish creativity.
An excellent article about
Vilnius appeared in the November, 2002 Hadassah Magazine and was authored by Harvey Gotliffe.
Lithuanian Jewish Community
Pylimo Street 4, 2600 Vilnius.
Phone 370 2 613 003 Fax 370 2 227 915
The Museum of Tolerance
Located at Naugarduko Street 10
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=192163
Books


"Jerusalem of Lithuania"
A guidebook on the historical sites of Jewish Vilnius - available from the Jewish Museum in
Vilna
"The
Last Days of the Jerusalem of Lithuania: Chronicles from the Vilna Ghetto and the Camps, 1939-1941"
Authored by Herman Kruk, edited and introduction by Benjamin Harshav, translated by Barbara Harshav, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, Yale University Press, 732 pages. Available from Amazon.com
Herman Kruk, in his book "The Last Days of the Jerusalem of Lithuania: Chronicles from the Vilna Ghetto and the Camps, 1939-1941" , describes the glory of the Jewish spirit in the ghetto. He also describes the Jewish police in the action to kill 400 Jewish old people in the
Oszmiana ghetto near Vilna, where Jewish police led the old people to the brink of the shooting pits, while the actual act of murder was done by a Lithuanian firing squad. Names of the Jewish police appear in the book.
Vilna Gaon Jewish Museum
Publishes several books, including
"Jewish Community of Lithuania" and
"The Last Days of the Jerusalem of Lithuania"
"Vilnius Getas
(Vilnius Ghetto)":
Lists of Vilna
Ghetto Residents

A two volume set of lists of Prisoners. Volume 1 lists more than
15,300 Jews who were confined to the ghetto in 1942.
Volume 2 lists the names and information about the Jews living
in various work camps in the vicinity of Vilnius. There
is no index for the list, and Volume 1 covers about one half of
the total Vilnius ghetto. The names are listed by
the ghetto streets in alphabetical order, and then in numerical
order, by house number. That makes it difficult to find
individuals unless you had an address. There are over
7,000 names to search. All names of the Vilna
Jewish ghetto residents/prisoners, including children, are on
the lists. Also the occupation of heads of households and
nearly everyone's dates of birth. Text in Lithuanian,
Russian, Hebrew, German and English
ISBN 9986
9019 2 8
Check with Avotaynu Publishing for costs and ordering information at
www.Avotaynu.com
If outside of North America, you can order directly from
Jewish State Museum of Lithuania
Pamenkalnio 12
2001 Vilnius, Lithuania
Attention: Jevgenija Sedova
or Rachel Kostanian
Fax: 370 2 227083
E-mail:
jmuseum@pub.osf.lt
Cemetery
The old Jewish cemeteries in Vilnius have been destroyed, but some of the remains were transferred to the present cemetery. The tomb of the Vilna Gaon, for example, and other Jewish scholars were also destroyed, but the bones of the Gaon and some of his disciples were re-interred in specially built crypt (with individual burial sites inside the crypt) by Vilnius Jews in the Jewish cemetery in the Vilnius suburbs.
The 'new' Jewish cemetery has no record of who is buried where. You can spend days walking around this rather large cemetery, looking at gravestones, and not find the
specific one you are researching. The cemetery office is currently working on creating a database listing of all names and locations. There is one woman (not always available) who knows where everyone is buried.
Ghetto
The reconstruction of the first three city blocks of Vilnius's Jewish quarter,
once a key center of Jewish scholarship and culture in Eastern
Europe was completed in 2003.
http://www.vilnaghetto.com/chrono.html
For information about this important ghetto see Scott Noar's web site
http://www.noarfamily.net/Vilnaghetto.html
Searchable database of
Vilna ghetto internees
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Vilna Ghetto Census List
Information about the work already produced by the Jewish Museum staff is available by contacting Rachel Kostanian at
jmuseum@delfi.lt
The Vilna Ghetto
With its 17th century buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, was also home to leading Jewish theaters, thriving Jewish publishing houses and the acclaimed Yiddish Institute of Higher Learning. This area will be rebuilt if funding can be obtained.
Holocaust
The Holocaust Museum
Commemorates Jewish life, the Holocaust, the Vilna ghetto, the resistance and the righteous.
Pamenkalnio Street 12
Phone: 620 720
Photo
A photo of this city can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Among the towns in
Vilnius district are:
Bagaslaviskis, Bezdonys, Ciobiskis, Gelvonai, Giedraiciai, Inturke, Jaslunai, Laibiskis, Maisiagala, Mikaliskes, Moletai, Musninkai, Naujoji, Vilna, Rudamina, Shalchininkai, Sesuoliai, Sirvintos, Stundishki, Turgeliai, Vilnius.
To learn how to become part of this group, contact Joel Ratner
joel@aol.com
Research
In 1323 the Grand Duke Gedeminas invited people of "all nations and faiths" to come to
Lithuania to help build the city of Vilnius and this included Jews. In 1386, Lithuania had united with
Poland and stretched to the Black Sea. The first mention of a Jewish presence was in 1568 when Jews were required to pay a poll tax. Five years later, a wooden synagogue was built and in 1592, the street next to the synagogue was named Zydu Gatve.
In the last part of the nineteenth century, there were 75,000 Jews among a population of 160,000. The majority of the Jews were Orthodox. In the 1890s, the city became known as a center for Jewish socialists and the labor movement and the bund were established in 1897. In 1902 Mizrachi, a religious Zionist movement was founded, and Vilna became the center of the Zionist movement. Vilna
was occupied by Poland in 1920. By the 1930s, there were some 55,000 - nearly one-third of the city's total population.
1858 Vilna District Revision List
Of the nearly 3,000 pages and 26,000 records, 70% have been translated. Further information available from Joel Ratner,
Vilna District Research Group
joelrat@aol.com
1858 Revision Lists
(10,000 records) City of Vilna
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
1863 Vilna city Marriages and
Divorces
Contact: Joel Ratner
Joelrat1@hotmail.com
1900 Riga Passport database
Of people connected to Vilna
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
1915 Vsia Vilna
(All of Vilna) database
Contains over 17,400 entries from the 1915 city directory for
Vilnius. It is now a part of the All Lithuania Database (ALD)
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
There are over 17,400 entries in the database are from the section from the 1915 City Directory entitled, "List of Inhabitants of Vilna and subscribers of the Vilensko Telephone Service." While most of the entries are for families and individuals, the entries also include those businesses and government offices with telephone service. The directory was written in
Russian.
Entries for families and individuals usually list only the head of the household, not the spouses nor the children. The information given may include:
Surname
Given Name
Father's Given Name
Occupation/Business
Address
Telephone Number
Other Comments
1915 Vsia Vilna City Directory
(18,000 records)
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
Central Metrical Archive
Lietuvos Centrinis Metriku Archyvas
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilwinneb/lithuani.htm
Research
Vilna District Research Group
Re membership contact Joel Ratner
Joelrat@aol.com
Jewish Street (Zydu Gatve in Lithuanian)
The Great Synagogue stood at the end of the street, but was dynamited by the Nazis.
List of Donors to Vilna Talmud Torah 1894
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
Merchants records - Vilna 1878-1883
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
Vilna Gaon
Chaim Freedman', the author of several books on 'The Vilna Gaon', he told the story of the Gaon's encouraging a group of Sephardic families to come to Lithuania because of his belief that Sephardi
yichus (pedigree) was more reliable, and because he was seeking a 'pure'
kohen to redeem him as firstborn.
The
Vsia Vilna database
Searchable for each of the above fields. In addition to surname searches, other information can be gathered by searching for addresses, telephone numbers, etc. More information regarding your eligibility to receive translations for the already completed 1858 Vilnius Revision Lists can be found at
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak
Synagogue
Choral Synagogue
Built in 1903 and is the only Shul in
Vilna not destroyed by the Nazis. It was used by them as a medical supply depot. Pylimo Street 39
The Vilnius Great Synagogue,
built in 1904 was not destroyed by the Nazis, but though it was heavily damaged by the war, the Soviets were the ones who had it bulldozed to the ground as well as the razing of the surrounding Jewish structures. The same regime also destroyed the ancient Jewish cemetery so that a sports stadium could be built on that site. The synagogue is now being restored and is the only Shul in
Vilna today, with barely a Minyan. See also Choral Synagogue
information above.
Vilna Boston
(US) Synagogue
Type in
Vilna+shul in the search area and you will find quite a bit of information including photos.
http://www.google.com/search?h1=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=vilna+shul
Telephone Directory

"Lithuania-On-Line" is an online search engine for telephones in
Vilnius. The screens are not in English, but very simple to
use:
http://www.online.lt/index.html.en
http://search.nationalgeographic.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1429
http://www.phonebookofvilnius.com/
Vilnius Yiddish Institute
The first academic Yiddish institute in Eastern Europe since the Holocaust. Mendy Cahan, a Belgian born Israeli who founded Young Yiddish, a grass roots Yiddish center in Israel, is the institute director. Located at the Vilnius University
http://www.yiddishvilnius.com/
Yizkor
Book
Bleter Vegn Vila
Vilna Yizkor Book database of Vilna Ghetto survivors
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/vilna/vilna.htm
A web site, based on the memories about life in this city before WW II, was the basis entitled
"The Shtetl and I"
http://www.vishnive.org/e_index.html
Vokieciu Street
At one time it held over 130 Jewish shops and from City Hall to Rudinsky's Coffee Shop at the corner of Traku, nearly all spoke Yiddish.
Vilna Country Records
These records represent several towns, broken up by court districts
[okrug]. The second and third okrug records include the towns
of Shirvint, Moletai, Musnik, Boguslaviskis, Maishagola,
Kernave, Intorik, Gedrovitz, and Paberzhe. The county
records are in addition to the individual metrical registers held
for each town. It appears the only towns with a large number of
researchers are Shirvint and Moletai. From a posting
on 1/15/2007 by Joel Ratner
Joelrat1@hotmail.com
Virbalis (Verzhbelov, Virbalin, Verbal, Werzbalwa)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Vishnevo
The Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Vishtinetis (Vistytus, Vishtinetz)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Vistytis
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Vizhiunas
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Vladislavov (Kudirkos Naumiestis)
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both Russian and Hebrew. There are 2 items available from 1833/1870. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Volknik
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Volkovyshki (Volkovisk, Vilkaviskis, Wylkowyski)
A web site, based on the memories about this shtetl, was the basis entitled
"The Shtetl and I", which I found very interesting
http://www.vishnive.org/e_index.html
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
http://www.geschichteinchronologie.ch/eu/BSSR/EncJud_juden-in-Volkovysk-ENGL.html
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0020_0_20418.html
Volozhin
A site with many names, manifest lists and includes the surrounding areas
http://www.eilatgordinlevitan.com/
Voronovo
The Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are:
Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Vystytis - (Vishtinetz, Wysztyniec)
Vyzuonos - (Vizhun)
Wilkowiszki (Wylkowyszki)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Wisznic (Wisnicz)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Yanishki
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Yanava (Yonava, Jonava)
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Research
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 11 items available from 1851-1864.
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Ylakai - (Yalok, Ylakiai, Illoki, Yelok, Ylok)
Among the towns in
Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
The Telsai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Yizkor Book
There are entries for Yalok
in Dov Levin's Pinkas Hakehillot, pages 330-332 and in Volume IV of
Yahadut Lita, page 298. There was a community there until the
Holocaust between July and August 1941, 475 Jews were murdered and
buried in the Jewish cemetery. Yahadut Lita mentions testimony
provided by Shoshana Visenstern-Meisel of Petah Tikva, Israel.
Rachel Levine is the archivist (1998)
Igud Yotzei Lita,
1 Hamelekh David St.
Tel Aviv, Israel.
Yosvain (Josvainiai )
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There are 19 items available from 1896-1914. The updated Locality Index can be found at:
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
Yurbarkas (Yurburg, Jurbarkas)
Located on the north side of the Neiman river - 75 miles (117 km) west of
Vilna. See Jurbarkas above for more information about this shtetl.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor Book

What is described as a Yizkor Book is available from Amazon.com
Yurodik
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Zagare (Zhagare - both old and new)
Originally, there was
Old Zagare and New Zagare separated by the Shventa River. Today, it is one town -
Zagare. One Jew, Isaac Mendelson, still lives in Zagare. He always welcomes visiting Jews and is glad to show them the Jewish places of interest in
Zagare.
The Siauliai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Siauliai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Carol Coplin Baker
carolcbaker@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Books


"Last Walk in Naryshkin Park"
Authored by Rose Zwi. Rose had already spent five years collecting documents, photographs and eyewitness accounts of the fate of her family under the Nazis. When she finally made the journey to
Vilna, she discovered there her Aunt Leah, a stoic survivor of the Holocaust, now remarried and with a new family of her own. Together the two women journeyed to
Zhager, on the border between Lithuania and Latvia, where the family originated..." (quoted from the following book review)
http://www.jpost.com/com/Archive/09.Apr.1999/Books/Article-2.html
Among the towns in
Siauliai district are:
Akmene, Baisogala, Gruzdziai, Joniskis, Klykoliai, Kurseniai, Laizuva, Leckava, Luoke, Lygumai, Padubysys, Papile, Pasvitinys, Radviliskis, Saukenai, Seduva, Siaulenai, Siauliai (city), Tryskiai, Uzventis, Vaiguva, Vegeriai, Vieksniai, Zagare (new and old).
Zapyskis - (Sepizishok)
Zarasai (Novo-Aleksandrovsk)
Zasliai
Cemetery
"Visiting the Jewish Cemeteries in Kaisadorys and
Zasliai"
Authored by Aleksandr Feigmanis and published
in the April, 1999 issue of the LitvakSig Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists has been translated by the Trakai District Research Group
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Zapyskis (Zapishkis)
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Zarasai ((Ezerenai, Jeziorosy, Novo)
Zarasai Blog
http://zarasai.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html
Novo Aleksandrovsk District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group, contact Saul Adelman
ADELMANS@adelvx.citadel.edu
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk) district are:
Antalkalis, Dusetos, Kamajai, Obeliai, Rokiskis, Salakas, Skapiskis, Suvainiskis, Zarasai (Novo Aleksandrovsk).
Towns located within this district include:
Akniste; Antaliepte; Breslauja; Dusetos; Kamajai; Kazachizna; Kvetkai; Obeliai; Onuskis; Opsa.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Zaskevichi
The Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Zasliai - (Shosli, Zosli)
Zeimaiciu Naumiestis
(Zemaiciu Naumestis)
Cemetery
"Visiting the Jewish Cemetery of Zemaiciu Naumestis"
Authored by Dr. Aleksandrs Feigmanis
aleksgen@mailcity.com
appears in the July, 2001 issue of LitvakSIG Journal
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/journal.htm
The Raseiniai District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Raseiniai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
A translated list of 1,569 names which appear in additional revision
lists compiled in various years between 1862 and 1878 in respect of
towns in the district. This group is looking for a coordinator. To volunteer, or to learn how to become part of this group, contact Carol Coplin Baker
Carolcbaker@mediaone.net
The towns covered are Batakai, Erzvilkas, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas,
Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale,
Siluva, Skaudvile. Sveksna, Taurage, Velvirzenai and Zemaiciu
Naumiestis.
Among the towns in Raseiniai district are:
Batakai, Dauglauskis, Gaure, Girkalnis, Jurbarkas, Kelme, Kraziai, Kvedarna, Nemaksciai, Pajuris, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Silale, Siluva, Skaudville, Sveksna, Taurage, Tytuvenai, Vainutis, Zeimaiciu Naumiestis.
Zeimelis (Zeimys, Zheimeli, Zheimelis, Zeimelis)
The Panevezys District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Panevezys district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Michael Witkin
Michael@witkin.org
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Panevezys district are:
Birzai, Jonishkelis, Krekenava, Linkuva, Naujamiestis, Paberzhe, Pakrujois, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Pumpenai, Pusalotas, Ramygala, Snipiskes, Vabalninkas, Zeimelis.
Cemetery
The
e-publication of Barry Mann's comprehensive coverage of his four day visit
to the Jewish Cemetery in Zeimelis
http://www.jewishgen.org/Litvak/Zeimelis.html
You can view the data as an Index of Grave Stones by Grave within Row Sequence; as an
Index & Pictures of Legible Grave Stones by First Name within Last Name sequence; as
Comments about certain Grave Stones; by viewing the Pictures in Sequence
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Research
Anatolij Chayesh in
St. Petersburg created a Microsoft Word document in Russian, containing all the
Jewish Birth records for Zeimelis, for the years 1860-1880, that exist in the
Vilnius archive. You can view and download the Word Document in
Russian
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Zeimelis/Zeimelis.htm
You can also view and download my unedited English translation of Anatolij's document, at this web site as an Excel file. Look under "LISTS"
http://www.barrymann.net/Zeimelis/BirthTable.htm
This how it all came about.
1. The LDS Church microfilmed most of, or all of the Jewish vital records in the
Vilnius archive. (I am not sure if they have completed the microfilming yet).
2. The LDS Church, very kindly, is converting these microfilms to .tiff images on
CD-ROMs, and giving a copy to LitvakSig. This conversion process is still going
on.
3. Anatolij, very kindly, spent months meticulously working through the
Zeimelis
.tiff images, and entering the data, into a Word table. This type of work is
difficult and tedious.
Births for years after 1880 will be added, when LitvakSig receives more
Zeimelis vital records from the LDS Church. Anatolij, will work on the Zeimelis Marriage and Death records next.
From a posting by Barry Mann fabrics@whc.net
List of Jewish citizens of Zeimelis on June 2, 1920
Available on the LitvakSig All Lithuanian database
Locality Index
An alphabetical listing of towns, which allows you to find the microfilm ordering numbers for a specific place, date and event type, is available for borrowing at any local LDS Family History Center. The records on these microfilms are written in both
Russian and Hebrew. There is 1 item available, the date is unknown.
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/FHLC/VilnaMicrofilmsIndex.htm
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Zeimelis/Zeimelis.htm#OtherLinks
Photos
http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Zeimelis/BrucePic.htm
Zeimiai - (Zeimi, Zeimis, Zheim, Zeimys)
The Kaunas District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Kaunas district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Ada Green
adagreen@att.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Kaunas district are:
Ariogala, Babtai, Cekiske, Dotnuva, Grinkiskis, Jonava, Josvainiai, Kaunas, Kedainiai, Krakes, Kretinga, Krukai, Kvesai, Panemune, Rumsiskes, Seredzius, Vandziogala, Veliuona, Vilijampole, Vilkija, Zepyskis, Zeimiai.
Zelva (Pazelva, Pazhevla, Podzelva)
The Ukmerge
(Vilkomer) District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town as well as for other towns in the
Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Richard Winer
rawiner@mediaone.net
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Ukmerge (Vilkomer) district are:
Anyksciai, Kavarskas, Kupiskis, Raguva, Seta, Svedesai, Ukmerge (Vilkomer), Utena, Uzpaliai, Zelva.
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Yizkor
Book
"Unpublished Necrology for Zelva, Lithuania"
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/translations.html
Zeimaiciu Naumiestis (Neishtot-Tavrig, Novoye Mesto)
Regional Special Interest Groups
http://www.jewishgen.org/Shtetlinks/lithuania.html
Zezhmer
Synagogue
There is an old wooden synagogue that was closed in 1941. A key to open the lock is held by the lady next door. During and after WW II, the building was used to hold garbage.
Zhalukok
The Lida District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Lida district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Judy Baston
jrbaston@aol.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Lida district are Beletsy, Eisiskes, Lida, Nowy Dwor, Oriya, Ostryna, Radun, Shchuchin, Voronovo, Zholudok.
Zhuprany
The Oshmiany District Research Group
has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the
Oshmiany district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD. To learn how to become part of this group contact Jeanne Saltman
Jsaltman@email.msn.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Oshmiany district are:
Dieveniskes, Dvorets, Golshany, Ivye, Krevo, Lipnishki, Nabiloki, Oshmiany, Smorgon, Solsk, Traby, Vishnevo, Volozhin, Zaskevichi, Zhuprany.
Zidikai - (Shidiki, Jidiki, Zhidikov)
The
Telsai District Research Group has distributed a great deal of data on this town, as well as for other towns in the Telsai district. Most of the towns are searchable on the ALD.
To learn how to become part of this group contact Deena Berton
deenahome@camcom.com
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Among the towns in Telsai district are:
Alsedzhiai, Barstyciai, Darbenai, Gargzdai, Kretinga, Laukuva, Mosedis, Pavandene, Pikeliai, Plunge, Salantai, Seda, Skudoas, Varniai, Yiakai, Zidikai.
Photo
A photo of this village can be found at Boris Feldblyum's Collection
http://www.bfcollection.net/indphoto/bfc00875.html
Ziezmariai (Zhezhmariai, Zezmar, Zyzmory, Zezmir)
Located right off the main east-west highway through
Lithuania, between Kaunas and Vilnius
Research
The 1858 Revision Lists
Translated by the Trakai District Research Group
http://www.jewishgen.org/litvak/all.htm
Synagogue
There is a wooden synagogue which was located in this community. "Lost Wooden Synagogues"
http://www.woodensynagogues.com
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