My great-grandparents, Israel and Risha Teitzel with their children, Rose, Sadie and my grandfather, Samuel. Probably taken in Ekaterinoslav, Russia, 1903.

Research

by Risa

Get to know your immigrant ancestors

​Research by Risa is a genealogy research company with a focus on Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. We want to partner with you to uncover your immigrant ancestor’s story.

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Why use us?

We possess the unique set of skills required for Ashkenazi Jewish genealogy research.  These include knowledge, experience and expertise with:

  • European historical boundary changes

  • Ashkenazi Jewish naming patterns

  • Anti-Jewish laws and their consequences

  • Records and gravestones in a variety of languages including, Hebrew, Russian, Yiddish, Polish, German and Hungarian

  • Holocaust research

  • 19th and 20th century United States, Australian, South African and Canadian emigration and naturalization laws

  • The effect of endogamy on Ashkenazi Jewish DNA matches

  • And more!

Contact us today to find out how we can help you discover your ancestor's story. We look forward to working with you!

 
About

Risa Daitzman Heywood

Owner and Principal Genealogist

Risa Daitzman Heywood has been involved with Jewish genealogy for over 25 years.  She is Past-President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado, served as co-chair of the original Belarus SIG, travelled to Belarus as a JewishGen ShtetlSchleppers (now defunct) liaison.  Risa earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and adheres to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. 

 
What We Offer

Family History Research

From bite-sized answers to full-blown projects

Would you like to get to know your immigrant ancestors but don't have the time, patience and/or the knowledge to do the research yourself?  

Lectures and workshops

Engaging sessions for your society or organization

Offerings include one-hour sessions to full-day, hands-on workshops.  Examples of available sessions include:

  • Jewish Genealogy for Beginners

  • Jewish Genealogy for the Non-Jewish Genealogist

  • Hands-On Jewish Genealogy Workshop

  • Hungarian Holocaust Journey - A Daughter's Search for Family

  • The Importance of Thorough American Research in Jewish Genealogy

  • The Power of the Catalog - Unindexed Records and How to Find Them

  • Missing Manifests - How to Find Those Elusive Passenger Lists

Consulting

For the Do-It-Yourself Researcher

You've started researching your family and enjoy the process but now you've hit a brick wall and need help breaking it down.  

Gift Certificates

A very memorable gift

Do you have a loved one who wants to know more about their family history?  A gift certificate is a great way to get them started.  Whether they want someone to do the research for them or they just need guidance, we can help.  

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