The Latvian Jewish Encyclopaedia (Latvijas ebreju enciklopēdija) is a longstanding project of the Shamir Society. It aims to cover over 400 years of Jewish presence in Latvian territory and to outline their contribution to the local science, technology, medicine, music, culture, trade and industry. The Encyclopaedia will become a new depositary of precious information about Jews in Latvia and their influence on Jews around the world.

For many years the Encyclopaedia was conceived as printed, but as time went on, we realised that the project had to become virtual in order to be universally accessible. Currently the Encyclopaedia hosts around 5000 articles, each in three languages.

People
Jews born in or connected to Latvia

Culture
Cultural and social life of Latvian Jews

Geography
Towns and cities where Jews lived in Latv

See here for instructions.

We would be extremely grateful if you take the time to provide us with information about your parents, yourself, and about all Jews who had a connection with Latvia and are, in your opinion, worthy to be included in this publication. We will also appreciate any photos and documents relating to Jewish life in Latvia.
information@shamir.com

The Latvian Jewish Encyclopedia project is implemented by Shamir Society, a non-governmental charitable organization that has been studying the history of Latvian Jews for many years. We would be very grateful to you for any financial support of our activities.
Support the project

Dr Grigori Smirin, scientific editor of the encyclopaedia, made an invaluable contribution to the creation and management of the project. Editors include Dr G. Branover, Prof. L. Dribin, Prof. R. Ferber, R. Bogdanova, B. Volkovic, I. Rochko, Dr Waldman, Dr Ivar Brod, Chaim Freedman, and Dr Gary Fitelberg.

Articles for the Latvian Jewish Encyclopedia were prepared (in alphabetical order) by T. Alekseeva, A. Baranovsky, Dr. Ivar Brod, Eltazarova, A. Feigmanis, prof. Sv. Kovalchuk, prof. A. Magidenko, M. Mikhalets, I. Raichman, I. Rochko, G. Tumanova, Dr. A. Shneer, V. Shaldova, Shor, Skorik, E. Slivkina, I. Steinman, B. Waldman, V. Wigman, B. Volkovich and the Prisoners of Zion organization.