Restoring Jewish family histories across generations.
Archival genealogy research based on verified historical records.
The person behind the research — Yarik Herman
I was educated at the Jewish school in Ukrainian Kharkiv, where history, tradition, and memory were part of everyday life. From an early age, I was drawn to my own family’s past — to the names, lives, and journeys that shaped our generation.
That personal curiosity evolved into professional genealogical research. For more than five years, I have reconstructed Jewish family histories across Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania — and beyond, wherever archival records and family stories lead.
My work is based on verified historical sources and archival documentation. But genealogy is more than records — it is about restoring continuity between generations and ensuring that every ancestor is remembered with dignity.
I am guided by a commitment to preserving Jewish heritage through education and remembrance. I give lectures on Jewish genealogy for individuals and communities, presenting historical research in a clear and practical way, and I have launched a nationwide project dedicated to this purpose. I am also committed to the preservation of Jewish cemeteries, which remain essential spaces of collective memory and deserve to be honored and visited by descendants and communities alike.
My primary focus remains genealogical research and the rediscovery of families. Through careful research and analytical precision, I help families rediscover their connections — to ancestors, to ancestral towns, to professions, and to the broader history of the Jewish people.
Every research project begins with a consultation focused on defining clear goals. Genealogy without a defined objective can become endless and unfocused. Together, we determine what you are truly looking for — whether it is a complete family reconstruction, documentation for citizenship, locating relatives, or understanding a particular branch of your family.
Based on this, I create a structured research plan outlining the stages of investigation and the realistic possibilities of the case.
My work is conducted step by step. I focus on obtaining original archival documents whenever possible — including handwritten records — rather than relying on secondary summaries. Each stage concludes with a detailed presentation of findings, where we review the results, discuss historical context, and refine the next direction of research.
Over the years, my work has led to the discovery of unexpected family branches, connections to living relatives, and, in some cases, previously unknown rabbinical lineage. Some projects focus on citizenship documentation; others uncover the broader structure of a family across generations.
Whenever needed, I personally visit archives and ancestral towns to deepen the investigation. I also work to place each family’s story within its historical and communal context — gathering photographs, records, and materials that allow you to understand not only who your ancestors were, but the world they lived in.
How I work
Let’s begin your family research
Some names are waiting to be spoken again.
FAQs
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Any names, towns, dates, and family stories you already know. Even small details can be enough.
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Most projects involve Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, with emigration to US, Canada, Israel or South America, but research often extends wherever records and family branches lead.
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Yes — this can be a central focus of the project, including locating burial places when possible.
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Yes, on request — research is focused on the records required for citizenship-by-descent procedures.
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Yes — I can analyze matches, connect them to your tree, and support outreach when appropriate.
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Yes — from a plan and itinerary to local guides and transportation, and I can join the trip if requested.