Names and Heritage:
The origins of Ashkenazi Surnames

Tuesday, September 22
USA 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
UK 8:00 pm / France 9:00 pm / Israel 10:00 pm
The talk will last approximately 90 minutes
About this talk
Explore the fascinating history behind the family names of Ashkenazi Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. This virtual lecture delves into the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of these surnames.
The use of surnames among Ashkenazi Jews began relatively late, in 1787, when the Habsburg Empire required all Jews within its territories to adopt German hereditary surnames. By 1835, Czarist Russia became the last country in Europe to make hereditary surnames mandatory.
Together, we will discover how historical events, occupations, places of residence, and local languages influenced the naming conventions of Ashkenazi Jewish communities.
About Evgenia
Evgenia Kempinski is a Russian Jew born and raised in St. Petersburg. Her family was originally from the Pale of Settlement - Poland, Ukraine and Belarus.She was an official St. Petersburg tour guide for over 15 years, and she was the founder and owner of St.Petersburg Jewish Tours - a company offering Jewish travelers a unique experience of showcasing the best of the former Soviet Union and Scandinavia from a Jewish point of view.
Today, she is based in Barcelona, Spain, where she conducts both Jewish-themed and general interest tours in person.
RECORDING INFORMATION
This talk will be recorded and shared with registrants the day after.
It will be available for 3 days, and 7 days for members.
Click here to register
You will be asked to select one of these options:
General admission - $18
Supported admission - $9
Sponsor this talk - $36
With your contribution you will also be donating to The Together Plan, a small charity with a big vision - to put Jewish Belarus and Ukraine back on the world map and help isolated Jewish communities find their voice and learn skills for self-development.


