The International Institute for Jewish Genealogy (IIJG) opened its doors in 2006. Its main goal is to advance Jewish genealogy as a recognized branch of Jewish Studies, through research and teaching at the university level. It also aspires to contribute in an original way to Jewish identity and Jewish continuity. In researching Jewish history and other aspects of Jewish life through a genealogical lens, IIJG has sponsored 12 interdisciplinary projects, ranging broadly over time and space, from medieval Spain to Latvia between the two World Wars. In 2012, it launched two mega-projects with the potential of raising Jewish genealogy to a new plane, one on “Village Jews in the 19th century Minsk Gubernya” and the other a demographic and genealogical profile of Scottish Jewry. As part of its educational efforts, IIJG has elaborated “Academic Guidelines” for BA and MA courses in Jewish Genealogy; and within its outreach programs it has developed innovative tools and technologies specifically designed for the Jewish family historian. As can be seen from its Advisory Board, which includes a Nobel Prize Laureate, two former British and Canadian cabinet ministers, a member of the House of Lords and scholars of world renown, IIJG has earned its spurs in the academic world and also made an impact on the Jewish world.