Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache;
Credit: Intellectual Reserve
On Tuesday 3 November 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported that members of Luxembourg's Jewish community and the Church had recently come together for a family history and genealogy event at the synagogue in Luxembourg-Ville.
Held on Sunday 25 October 2026, the gathering included workshops, a guided tour of the synagogue and opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and explore their shared interest in family history.
The event built on an existing relationship between the two religious communities, which, according to the church, began in June 2025 when Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache attended an open house in Strassen. During the meeting, representatives discovered shared interests in community service, supporting people in need and researching family history.
During the event, Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache referred to scriptures highlighting the importance of remembering previous generations and learning from their experiences, which can teach people "to walk in righteousness".
Another speaker, Victoria Wonnacott, emphasised the value of exploring family history. She said: "By cultivating a fuller understanding of our family tree and of the stories woven within its branches, we can unlock priceless sources of wisdom, perspective, courage and hope as we navigate the trials and uncertainties of life."
Meanwhile, FamilySearch, a genealogy research organisation, presented its approach to family history research and introduced several tools, with particular attention to tracing Jewish ancestry.
Specialists and consultants then provided individual assistance to members of the Jewish community interested in researching their family trees.
Pascale Marichal, a volunteer from the Latter-day Saint community, described helping one participant trace his ancestry: "The gentlemen I assisted had prepared by gathering as much information as possible before the meeting. What a joy it was for him to be able to trace one of his direct ancestral lines back six generations! He was so enthusiastic that he couldn’t stop!"
Alongside the workshops, participants toured the synagogue, allowing members of the Latter-day Saint community to learn more about Jewish heritage and traditions in Luxembourg.
Arnaud Chemla, a participant from the Jewish community, reflected on the experience: "It was a beautiful encounter, turned to the past and its lessons but oriented towards the future, as it gave me the desire to prepare now for the future of my children."
Justine Howarth, a member of the Latter-day Saint community, also welcomed the exchange between the two groups.
"There was such a great spirit there. Each group were genuinely teaching and mutually enriching each other," she said.
During the gathering, representatives of the church also presented Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache and his family with a personal genealogy.
"It was our great honour to present the Chief Rabbi and his family with a personal genealogy; it was wonderful to see the smiles and the joy on their expressions," said Michaël Ulrich, President of the Nancy Stake.
The event concluded with Michaël Ulrich and Chief Rabbi Alain Nacache shaking hands and reflecting on how family history can bring communities together through their shared heritage.
