The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies announced the recipients of its 2000 Achievement Awards at the closing banquet of the 20th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy held in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 9 - 14, 2000. The Awards are selected by an Awards Committee based on published criteria and nominations by IAJGS member organizations. Our 2000 Awards Committee was chaired by Garry Stein, a member of the Executive of the JGS of Canada (Toronto) and a member of the IAJGS Board of Directors. The other Awards Committee members were David Fox, JGS of Greater Washington, founder and Coordinator of Belarus SIG and Internet editor for AVOTAYNU and Julian Falk, President of JGS of Pittsburgh. 

IAJGS Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to Sallyann Amdur Sack:
In deep appreciation of her contributions to the world of Jewish genealogy. As a scholar, editor and author she has made and continues to make major contributions to the benefit of genealogists around the world. As a leader, Sallyann has been instrumental in the launch and development of significant genealogical projects that continue to serve us all. Her leadership, scholarship, initiative, and vision provide an example and inspiration to all Jewish genealogists and Jewish genealogical societies worldwide.

In presenting this award, the many achievements, publications, Sallyann Sack's initiatives and credentials truly impressed the over 500 attendees at the banquet. Sallyann's accomplishments were compared to those of the late Rabbi Rabbi Malcolm Stern, the father of Jewish genealogy.

Outstanding Contribution to Jewish Genealogy via Print

Presented to Miriam Weiner for her book Jewish Roots in Ukraine and Moldova:
Following on your success with Jewish Roots in Poland, you have once more made an invaluable contribution to Jewish genealogy. Through your efforts and the quality of your publications you have brought the world of previous generations back to life and provided an invaluable tool to serious research.

Outstanding Contribution to Jewish Genealogy via the Internet

Presented to the Litvak SIG for creating the All Lithuania Database:
In recognition of an outstanding database, which continues to draw data from many sources into the largest searchable database of Lithuanian Jewish records on the Internet. This database not only helps countless researchers but also should serve as a source of pride to the leaders and 
volunteers of the Litvak SIG whose cooperative energy has resulted in this outstanding achievement.

The Award was accepted by Davida Noyek Handler, President, Litvak SIG. In presenting the Award, a number of leaders were mentioned to whom the project owes its existence and in particular Anne Rothman, database manager; Trev Tucker, Webmaster; Carol Coplin Baker, research coordinator; and especially Michael Tobias.

Outstanding Publication by a Member Society of the IAJGS

Presented to The Jewish Genealogical Society of Michigan:
In recognition of its journal, Generations,  for excellent coverage of topics ranging from scholarly articles based on original research to news items about genealogy activities and resources. Generations demonstrates not only the highest standards of content but also a highly professional level of presentation, graphic design and visual appeal that sets a standard for all genealogical societies.

The Award was accepted by Marilyn Natchez of the JGS of Michigan and editor of Generations. Marilyn noted the assistance of the Michigan President, Stephen Rosman, and of the contributors to their publication and all of the members of their society who provided quality original material.

Outstanding Programming that Advances the Objectives of Jewish Genealogy

Presented to The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Washington:
In recognition of programming which demonstrates a high level of creativity, a breadth of content for all levels of genealogists and reflects a high level of organization and leadership. Your success demonstrates how a Jewish genealogical society can offer members at all levels value added content through a diverse range of stimulating and thoughtful programming.

In presenting the Award, it was noted that this year’s winner demonstrated a depth of programming, thoughtful program integration and outstanding content that is an example to us all. Teamwork and commitment were the obvious keys to their success. Accepting the Award on behalf of the JGS of Greater Washington was their President, Ellen Shindelman. Also mentioned were key contributors from their society: VP Programming - Sheri Meisel, Workshop Coordinator – Marlene Zakai, VP Administration – Flora Gursky, Webmaster – Patti Maslinoff. As part of their programming, JGSGW also sponsored “Tracing Your Family Roots” Cable Access TV Show hosted and produced by Sallyann Sack, Arline Sachs and Sid Sachs.

Outstanding Project that Advances the Objectives of Jewish Genealogy

Presented to Jewish Genealogical Society of Canada (Toronto) for the Jewish Youth Genealogy Project:
You have created the potential to expose over 40,000 children annually to Jewish genealogy and their heritage as part of the family tree of the Jewish people. You have raised funds, developed an introductory guide and introduced it into Jewish Schools throughout the Toronto area. The conceptualization and implementation of this outstanding project has the potential to create the Jewish genealogists of the future, raise public awareness of Jewish genealogy and sets an example for all Jewish genealogical societies of the world.

In accepting this Award on behalf of the JGS of Canada (Toronto), President, Gert Rogers thanked Howard Markus who headed the project; the Action Committee for Jewish Continuity, Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto for providing the funding for the project; and to the project committee members who worked so hard writing articles, editing and distributing the guide: Glen Ecker, Valerie Fox, Larry Gaum, Judi Ghert, Dulcey Hoffman, Rolf Lederer, Harold Nissenthal, Debbie Pikilis, Stephen Speisman, Leslie Train and Henry Wellisch.

Back (L – R) Howard Margol, IAJGS President; Garry Stein, Awards Committee Chair and IAJGS Board Member; David Fox, Awards Committee Member

Front (L – R) Davida Noyek Handler, President Litvak SIG, Marilyn Natchez Immediate Past President and Editor of Generations for the JGS of Michigan; Gert Rogers, President of JGS of Canada (Toronto); Sallyann Amdur Sack, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Ellen Shindelman, President JGS of Greater Washington; and Miriam Weiner, Award recipient for Outstanding Contribution via Print.