The Jewish People were originally divided into twelve tribes, after the twelve sons of Jacob. Only three "tribes" are known today, those of Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael*. Tribe membership is patri-lineal, i.e., it is inherited from one's father. The majority of Jews today are members of the Yisrael tribe. Members of the Kohen tribe, descendants of Aaron, are referred to as Kohanim (translation: Priests). This membership is noted in their Hebrew name which ends with the suffix of ha-Kohen (translation: the Kohen). Members of the Levi tribe are referred to as Leviim or Levites. This membership is noted in their Hebrew name which ends with the suffix of ha-Levi (translation: the Levi). Both the Kohanim and Leviim have additional biblical commandments such as duties in the Temple. Although inheritance of tribal status is patri-lineal, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, not every son of a Kohen is a Kohen, yet every father of a Kohen is a Kohen. To find out more about this you may want to look at our Frequently Asked Questions.  

* There were actually thirteen tribes, since the single tribe of Yosef gave rise to the two tribes of Efraim and Menashe. Furthermore, only Levi is a true tribe, whereas Yisrael comprises all the other tribes.  However, for practical purposes, TribeFinder will consider Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael to be the three remaining tribes.

Purpose

The Kohen/Levi TribeFinder is an ambitious attempt to gather, document, and authenticate the tribal status (Kohen and Levi only) of pre-20th Century Jews. Currently, only some towns and shtetls are included in this project, but the database may ultimately be expanded to include other towns as well. For a quick look at surnames contained in this database, click here. Please note, the Yisrael tribe, being the majority, is not a part of this database. This database can be useful for networking and research. A surname/tribe match can add support to a family link. All genealogists are encouraged to participate. It is our hope that this database will prove to be a valuable resource.

Evolution

Please check back often for updates. This project is new and subject to modification as we work out the bugs and learn from our experience. Suggestions are welcome... just send your suggestions to the TribeFinder webmaster.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Steve Blumenfrucht (of USA) for his original suggestion which led to the creation of TribeFinder, and for providing much of the background information. Daniel Miller (of Israel) spent many hours on this project and did most of the technical programming. He is really the 'brains' behind this project and most thanks go to him. Julian Schamroth (of Israel) was responsible for the TribeFinder interface and debugging of the program. 

TribeFinder Homepage.

Register to submit or modify TribeFinder data.

Search TribeFinder. (registered users can also edit data here.)

Disclaimer: TribeFinder is not responsible for the accuracy of information contained in this database. This information is provided as a public service. The information in this database is solely for your own personal genealogical research and may not be used, without the prior written permission of TribeFinder for any other purpose including, but not limited to: solicitation of paid research; school related research projects or term papers; and interviews for purposes of publication.

Designed by JS and DM.
 

 

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