I was interested in the article in the
December issue of the Berkshire Family Historian
on 'Jewish genealogy'. My son-in-law has a Jewish
immigrant in his family and I have carried out
detailed research on them.
It was difficult as there had been an
estrangement in the family and nothing was known
as to when and where the immigrant came to
England. There are no baptismal records for Jews
although there may be details of circumcision
ceremonies; there is nothing for girls until they
get married. I found a will which was very
helpful and I was allowed to consult a marriage
register at a Midlands synagogue.
My research took me to Liverpool just at the
time when Lloyd Webber's Open Door policy became
effective and Liverpool synagogue was one of only
two in the country open under the scheme. It is
worth a visit. I have been twice to Liverpool for
family history and stayed at the University as
part of a Saga holiday there. I transcribe parish
registers and found baptized at Holy Trinity,
Coventry, on March 9, 1762 'Jacob Wolfe late a
Jew of the Tribe of Levi'. Just for interest I
searched for possible connections but there were
no other references.
with any queries
)