Expert to discuss Jewish genealogy

The Conejo Jewish Academy will host genealogist Werner Frank for a two-part lecture series on “Jewish Genealogy—The Genealogist’s Crowning Achievement: Recording Your Legacy.” He will be speaking at 8 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 16 and 23 at the Academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills.

Admission is free and reservations are recommended by calling (818) 991-0991 or by visiting the Academy’s website at www. jewishacademy.com.

Frank began researching his family history in 1996, a project that extended to the 13th century. He recently published his family history, “Legacy: The Saga of a German-Jewish Family across Time and Circumstance.” Frank has amassed a database of more than 30,000 names extending to the 13th century, made possible by connecting to a rabbinic dynasty.

In his first talk, he will discuss the creation of the book and some of his “incredible” discoveries in conducting research in ancestral towns and specialized libraries in Germany, Israel and the U.S. Participants will learn how to research their own family tree.

In his second talk, Frank will focus on “Jewish Royalty: the Role of Rabbinic Dynasties in Extending One’s Genealogy.” There is “a good chance,” according to Frank, that most Jews will find they are a descendant of a well-known Rabbinic leader. Once this is discovered, it becomes easier to trace one’s origins back to the middle ages. He will teach participants how to go about doing so.

The lectures are co-sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County. The society is dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history.

For more information about joining the society, please e-mail publicity@jgscv.org.