Hello and welcome to this website. The picture above is of the fabulous Oberbaumbrücke in Berlin. Some of you may know it personally, others may know it from the movie Run Lola Run. For me, the bridge represents the main activity of my life, which is to use my language and research skills to bridge the distance between past and present. The languages are English and German, the skills are those of a historian, and the primary focus is on the history of German-Jewish families, mostly in smaller German communities.

I often go back to the early 1700s to explore the deep roots of these families in Germany. Thus, I have worked with residents of German towns and villages who are researching the once vibrant Jewish communities. I have had the pleasure of meeting descendants of German Jewish families around the world who want to know more about the place their ancestors came from. I also contribute to the genealogical databases that help preserve the history of German Jewish families.

The pages of this website highlight some of the projects and activities I am engaged with, such as the two websites I curate, families in particular places, exceptional people I have met along the way.

Thank you for visiting my website and please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Sharon Meen, PhD, D.Litt
[email protected]

See “About me”