Specializing in Jewish Genealogy & Emigration/Immigration Research
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.
My great-grandparents, Israel and Risha Teitzel with their children, Rose, Sadie and my grandfather, Samuel.
(Ekaterinoslav, Russia, 1903)
Risa Daitzman Heywood
About
Owner and Principal Genealogist
Risa Daitzman Heywood has decades of involvement with Jewish genealogy as a researcher, volunteer and speaker. Risa earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, completed ProGen and GenProof. She is Past-President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado and served as co-chair of the original Belarus SIG. Since 2018, she has been a regular speaker at the annual International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) conferences and for Jewish Genealogical Societies. Risa is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and adheres to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.
Why Use Us?
We possess the unique set of skills required for Ashkenazi Jewish genealogy research.
These include knowledge, experience and expertise with:
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European historical boundary changes
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Ashkenazi Jewish naming patterns
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Anti-Jewish laws and their consequences
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Records and gravestones in a variety of languages including, Hebrew, Russian, Yiddish, Polish, German and Hungarian
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Holocaust research
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19th and 20th century United States, Australian, South African and Canadian emigration and naturalization laws
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The effect of endogamy on Ashkenazi Jewish DNA matches
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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!
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:
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Introduction to Jewish Genealogy - Getting Started
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Jewish Genealogy for the non-Jewish Genealogist
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The Power of the Catalog - Unindexed Records and How to Find Them
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Missing Manifests - How to Find Those Elusive Passenger Lists
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Hungarian Holocaust Journey - A Daughter's Search for Family
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The Industrial Removal Office - How a Little-known Program Scattered Jews Throughout the United States
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The Proven Path to Finding your Family’s Town and Original Surname
Consulting
For the Do-It-Yourself Researcher
You have started researching your family and enjoy the process but now you've hit a brick wall and need help breaking it down. We will review your research and provide a research plan you can use to move forward.
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.
Get in touch
