Types of Rabbinic Information Sources

• Bio-Bibliographical Works - see list of resources in the Bibliography
• Rabbinic Texts, used as a basis for genealogical research:
  • Introductions (Hakdomos) - Jewish scholars observed a tradition of making personal introductions to their rabbinic works. Refer to "Prefaces and Dedications" in the Jewish Encyclopedia 
  • Approbations (Haskomos) - Forewords to published sacred writings were solicited. Refer to "Approbation" in the Jewish Encyclopedia  
• Responsa (Sheilos V'Tshuvos) - Works by respected rabbis were in the form of questions and answers. Refer to "She'elot U'Teshubot" in the Jewish Encyclopedia
• Rabbinic Eulogies - The primary source is Dr. Bernhard Wachstein's Zur Bibliographie Gedachtnis und Trauervortrage in der Hebraischen Literatur. Vienna: Israelitische Kultusgemeinde. Bibliothek, 1927. (Series, 8 Vol.) It includes a German index although the rest of the text is in Hebrew.
• Published Genealogies  - Refer to the list of resources in the Bibliography
• Prenumeranten Lists (Pre-publication Subscription Lists)
• Yichus Letters (Preserved Family Histories) - Refer to "Pedigree" in the Jewish Encyclopedia  
  • Published Histories
  • Unpublished Histories
• Communal Histories
  • Histories of Rabbis of Jewish Communities
  • Khevra Kaddishah (Burial Society) Records
  • Cemetery Listings
  • Rabbinical Epitaphs
  • Yizkor (Memorial) Books or Sifrei Zikaron
  • Reference Books (Encyclopedias)
  • Community Histories
• Hebrew and Yiddish Newspaper Lists