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Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois

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Please note that IN-PERSON and VIA ZOOM events are listed separately in this JGSI events list and that starting times differ for the two types of events. Make sure you register for the correct event—IN-PERSON or VIA ZOOM. If you change your mind or are unable to attend in person, the Zoom link is provided in confirmation emails for both types of events. Walk-ins are welcome at the in-person events.

Upcoming events

    • 25 Jun 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois
    Register

    Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois members are invited to share discoveries and research tips on June 25, 2023:

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold a “Kvell and Tell” session on Sunday, June 25, 2023, as part of the group’s annual meeting. Several JGSI members will take turns sharing family history discoveries and research tips. This hybrid meeting also features a brief annual report from JGSI’s co-presidents, Debbie Kroopkin and Wendy Hauser. 

    Confirmed speakers for this year's "Kvell and Tell" include the following:

    • Doug Bank will speak on discovering far more than expected when searching for information on his family.
    • Ellen Kahn will talk about the 45 years of research she has done for a book about her ancestors from Southern and Western Germany.
    • Abby Schmelling, who has been doing a lot of research for a book about Waldheim Cemetery, will speak about the cemetery as a great genealogical resource.
    • Marcey Siegel will discuss sensitively introducing newly found relatives (discovered through DNA) to her family.
    • Bob Silverstein has a talk about how his research helped a Purple Cross medal be reunited with the family of the soldier who earned it.

    As a hybrid meeting, the talks may be given from home via Zoom or in person at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois. If you plan to attend in person, please register by clicking the button at left. If you plan to attend remotely, then register for the separate Zoom event listing. 

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m.

    Register/RSVP for the in-person meeting by clicking the button at left.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 25 Jun 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • From the convenience of your home device
    Register

    Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois members are invited to share discoveries and research tips on June 25, 2023:

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold a “Kvell and Tell” session on Sunday, June 25, 2023, as part of the group’s annual meeting. Several JGSI members will take turns sharing family history discoveries and research tips. This hybrid meeting also features a brief annual report from JGSI’s co-presidents, Debbie Kroopkin and Wendy Hauser. 

    Confirmed speakers for this year's "Kvell and Tell" include the following:

    • Doug Bank will speak on discovering far more than expected when searching for information on his family.
    • Ellen Kahn will talk about the 45 years of research she has done for a book about her ancestors from Southern and Western Germany.
    • Abby Schmelling, who has been doing a lot of research for a book about Waldheim Cemetery, will speak about the cemetery as a great genealogical resource.
    • Marcey Siegel will discuss sensitively introducing newly found relatives (discovered through DNA) to her family.
    • Bob Silverstein has a talk about how his research helped a Purple Cross medal be reunited with the family of the soldier who earned it.

    As a hybrid meeting, the talks may be given from home via Zoom or in person at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois. Register to receive the Zoom link by clicking the button at left. 

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m.

    Register for the 2 p.m. CDT online live Zoom session by clicking the button at left.  

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 23 Jul 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois
    Register

    Genealogist and attorney Robin Meltzer to speak on using social media for genealogy for the July 23, 2023, JGSI meeting

    “Using Social Media for Genealogic Research: the Good, the Bad, and the Exceedingly Strange” will be the topic of genealogist Robin Meltzer for the Sunday, July 23, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. Her online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Register for the 12:30 p.m. CDT in-person meeting at Temple Beth-El by clicking the button at left. 

    This program will introduce family researchers to many helpful genealogic resources available on social media platforms, and how to use these tools safely. The presentation includes examples of best practices for using social media in genealogical records research, how to find long-lost family members, and the benefits of location-focused research groups. Robin will also discuss case studies from two Facebook groups she co-administers: Tracing the Tribe and Jewish Community of the 15th Ward.

    An attorney and genealogist, Robin assists families in obtaining legal records, discovering non-traditional information sources and interpreting documentary evidence. She is an administrator of Tracing the Tribe: Jewish Genealogy on Facebook; co-founder of the Jewish Community of the 15th Ward, Syracuse, New York, Facebook group; associate producer of the documentary films “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community” and “People and Places of the Syracuse Jewish Community,” and a former vice president of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington (JGSGW).

    She lectures internationally on topics in Jewish genealogy and research methodology and has appeared on the cable television program “Tracing Your Family Roots.” Robin has written articles on Jewish genealogy and local history for several publications, including Avotaynu, Mishpacha, The Galitzianer, and the Jewish Observer of Central New York.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Societyof Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 23 Jul 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • From the convenience of your home device
    Register

    Genealogist and attorney Robin Meltzer to speak on using social media for genealogy for the July 23, 2023, JGSI meeting

    “Using Social Media for Genealogic Research: the Good, the Bad, and the Exceedingly Strange” will be the topic of genealogist Robin Meltzer for the Sunday, July 23, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. Her online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Register for the 2 p.m. CDT online Zoom webinar by clicking the button at left. 

    This program will introduce family researchers to many helpful genealogic resources available on social media platforms, and how to use these tools safely. The presentation includes examples of best practices for using social media in genealogical records research, how to find long-lost family members, and the benefits of location-focused research groups. Robin will also discuss case studies from two Facebook groups she co-administers: Tracing the Tribe and Jewish Community of the 15th Ward.

    An attorney and genealogist, Robin assists families in obtaining legal records, discovering non-traditional information sources and interpreting documentary evidence. She is an administrator of Tracing the Tribe: Jewish Genealogy on Facebook; co-founder of the Jewish Community of the 15th Ward, Syracuse, New York, Facebook group; associate producer of the documentary films “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community” and “People and Places of the Syracuse Jewish Community,” and a former vice president of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington (JGSGW).

    She lectures internationally on topics in Jewish genealogy and research methodology and has appeared on the cable television program “Tracing Your Family Roots.” Robin has written articles on Jewish genealogy and local history for several publications, including Avotaynu, Mishpacha, The Galitzianer, and the Jewish Observer of Central New York.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 30 Jul 2023
    • 03 Aug 2023
    • Hotel Park Plaza Westminster in London, England

    The 43rd IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 3, 2023, in London, England. According to JewishGen, it will be an in-person conference only. No virtual option is being planned.

    Further details will be forthcoming at https://www.iajgs2023.org/ 

    The call for presentation proposals can be viewed at https://pheedloop.com/EVEXVEQJLXVIO/proposal/start/?call=CAL3Q647B6DHXHL


    • 27 Aug 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois
    Register

    Genetic genealogy maven Gil Bardige's lecture aims to clear up confusion about DNA test results for the Aug. 27, 2023, JGSI meeting

    “Help! I got my DNA Results and I’m Confused!” will be the topic of genealogist Gil Bardige for the Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. His online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Register for the in-person meeting at Temple Beth-El by clicking the button at left. 

    Did you get your autosomal DNA results from any or all of the four major testing companies? Do you, have tens of thousands of matches that they say you are close relatives, only to find that they don’t share a surname or town in common? Confused? Frustrated? You are not alone.

    With his talk, Gil plans to help you understanding your results of ethnicity and matches; how to prioritize them, and reduce the thousands of matches to numbers you can research and maybe find keys to expanding your genealogy family tree.

    This webinar is for beginners and others who are just stuck or don’t know what to do next. Maybe you need a restart? Gil will share his processes and techniques to prioritize matches to get organized and feel like you can accomplish something and know what to do next. In the end, you will be able to say, “Now I understand, I get it, I know what to do.”

    Gil Bardige, born and raised in Chicago, lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area. A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, Gil retired in 2019 after a long career in air conditioning and refrigeration, most recently as a National Business Development Leader for Trane Technologies.

    At the urging of his mother, Gil began his genealogy adventure in 1979 with 54 people in his tree. Today his family tree has more than 2,300 people tracing four branches back to his fifth great grandfathers, born about 1740. His family arrived in Chicago in the early 1900s.

    For more than 15 years, Gil has expanded his knowledge base to genetic genealogy, testing at each of the four major DNA companies, and currently manages three Y-DNA projects at Family Tree DNA as a volunteer administrator. He loves to help people manage their expectations and begin to remove confusion from the DNA results whether it’s Y-DNA, mtDNA, or Autosomal DNA. He had spoken at dozens of local events and international conferences, including at IAJGS conferences in Orlando, Cleveland, Virtual San Diego, and Virtual Philadelphia x2.

    Gil is the chair of the Genealogy Committee of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society (JGS). He co-hosts live genetic genealogy Q&A sessions for JGS Illinois and JGS Toronto. Gil developed and hosts the monthly CJHS Kvell & Kvetch genealogy Q&A in Columbus. He manages the mentoring program for IAJGS and co-hosts the Apple Users and Jewish Genealogy Facebook page and monthly virtual BoF (Birds of a Feather) meeting.

    Gil is a firm believer that you can use DNA results as a tool in your genealogical research as it generates clues that can help people confirm/deny relationships. His speaking style is high energy (you won’t be bored) and he loves to take questions. People have said of his presentations, “Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!”

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 27 Aug 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • From the convenience of your home device
    Register

    Genetic genealogy maven Gil Bardige's lecture aims to clear up confusion about DNA test results for the Aug. 27, 2023, JGSI meeting

    “Help! I got my DNA Results and I’m Confused!” will be the topic of genealogist Gil Bardige for the Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. His online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Click the registration button at the left to receive the Zoom link.

    Did you get your autosomal DNA results from any or all of the four major testing companies? Do you, have tens of thousands of matches that they say you are close relatives, only to find that they don’t share a surname or town in common? Confused? Frustrated? You are not alone.

    With his talk, Gil plans to help you understanding your results of ethnicity and matches; how to prioritize them, and reduce the thousands of matches to numbers you can research and maybe find keys to expanding your genealogy family tree.

    This webinar is for beginners and others who are just stuck or don’t know what to do next. Maybe you need a restart? Gil will share his processes and techniques to prioritize matches to get organized and feel like you can accomplish something and know what to do next. In the end, you will be able to say, “Now I understand, I get it, I know what to do.”

    Gil Bardige, born and raised in Chicago, lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area. A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, Gil retired in 2019 after a long career in air conditioning and refrigeration, most recently as a National Business Development Leader for Trane Technologies.

    At the urging of his mother, Gil began his genealogy adventure in 1979 with 54 people in his tree. Today his family tree has more than 2,300 people tracing four branches back to his fifth great grandfathers, born about 1740. His family arrived in Chicago in the early 1900s.

    For more than 15 years, Gil has expanded his knowledge base to genetic genealogy, testing at each of the four major DNA companies, and currently manages three Y-DNA projects at Family Tree DNA as a volunteer administrator. He loves to help people manage their expectations and begin to remove confusion from the DNA results whether it’s Y-DNA, mtDNA, or Autosomal DNA. He had spoken at dozens of local events and international conferences, including at IAJGS conferences in Orlando, Cleveland, Virtual San Diego, and Virtual Philadelphia x2.

    Gil is the chair of the Genealogy Committee of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society (JGS). He co-hosts live genetic genealogy Q&A sessions for JGS Illinois and JGS Toronto. Gil developed and hosts the monthly CJHS Kvell & Kvetch genealogy Q&A in Columbus. He manages the mentoring program for IAJGS and co-hosts the Apple Users and Jewish Genealogy Facebook page and monthly virtual BoF (Birds of a Feather) meeting.

    Gil is a firm believer that you can use DNA results as a tool in your genealogical research as it generates clues that can help people confirm/deny relationships. His speaking style is high energy (you won’t be bored) and he loves to take questions. People have said of his presentations, “Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!”

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.



    • 22 Oct 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois
    Register

    Genealogist Adam Brown to speak on Jewish genetics and migrations for the Oct. 22, 2023, JGSI hybrid meeting 

    “The Genetic Origins and Migrations of the Jewish People” will be the topic of genealogist Adam Brown for the Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. His online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    To register for the in-person meeting at Temple Beth-El, click the registration button at left.

    Under the auspices of the Technion (Israel’s MIT), the Avotaynu DNA Project is a landmark scientific study that has Y-DNA tested several thousand Jewish men in far-flung Jewish communities from China to Surinam. Project administrator Adam Brown will describe what the Project has learned thus far about Jewish origins, as well as the latest discoveries about our migrations during the last 3,000 years of Jewish history. After his talk, Adam will answer questions from the viewers and attendees.

    Adam Brown, a graduate of the law school at the University of Chicago, is director of the AvotaynuDNA Project, managing editor of AvotaynuOnline.com, and a Geni curator. He was co-chair of the 2017 IAJGS international summer conference on Jewish genealogy. He speaks frequently on topics pertaining to human genetics, Jewish history, and the application of technology to genealogical research.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.


    • 22 Oct 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • From the convenience of your home device
    Register

    Genealogist Adam Brown to speak on Jewish genetics and migrations for the Oct. 22, 2023, JGSI hybrid meeting 

    “The Genetic Origins and Migrations of the Jewish People” will be the topic of genealogist Adam Brown for the Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting. His online talk will begin at 2 p.m. CDT via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    To register for the  online Zoom presentation, click the registration button at left. 

    Under the auspices of the Technion (Israel’s MIT), the Avotaynu DNA Project is a landmark scientific study that has Y-DNA tested several thousand Jewish men in far-flung Jewish communities from China to Surinam. Project administrator Adam Brown will describe what the Project has learned thus far about Jewish origins, as well as the latest discoveries about our migrations during the last 3,000 years of Jewish history. After his talk, Adam will answer questions from the viewers and attendees.

    Adam Brown, a graduate of the law school at the University of Chicago, is director of the AvotaynuDNA Project, managing editor of AvotaynuOnline.com, and a Geni curator. He was co-chair of the 2017 IAJGS international summer conference on Jewish genealogy. He speaks frequently on topics pertaining to human genetics, Jewish history, and the application of technology to genealogical research.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.


    • 12 Nov 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois
    Register

    Mike Karsen to present update on Chicago-area Jewish genealogy resources on Nov. 12, 2023

    “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” will be the topic of a presentation by genealogist Mike Karsen for the Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, hybrid meeting of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois at 2 p.m. CDT.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Registration details will be forthcoming.

    This event will feature JGSI past president Mike Karsen giving his annual update covering various resources available to discover your Jewish roots in Chicagoland. He will include a wide range of records and research resources, including cemeteries, death certificates, death notices/obits, marriage records, birth records, and city directories. He will also cover some uniquely Jewish resources. Today, with so many records available online, you hardly have to leave your home to research your Chicago roots. Case studies will be utilized to demonstrate the research process.

    A professional speaker, Mike Karsen is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and is a past president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois. He has presented over 300 talks on genealogy topics locally, nationally, and internationally, including for the Newberry Library and the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Mike is the author of the JewishGen website’s “Guide to Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland” and has published articles on genealogy.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Societyof Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.


    • 12 Nov 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • From the convenience of your home device.
    Register

    Mike Karsen to present update on Chicago-area Jewish genealogy resources on Nov. 12, 2023

    “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” will be the topic of a presentation by genealogist Mike Karsen for the Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, hybrid meeting of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois at 2 p.m. CDT.

    The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, registration is strongly encouraged.

    Registration details will be forthcoming.

    This event will feature JGSI past president Mike Karsen giving his annual update covering various resources available to discover your Jewish roots in Chicagoland. He will include a wide range of records and research resources, including cemeteries, death certificates, death notices/obits, marriage records, birth records, and city directories. He will also cover some uniquely Jewish resources. Today, with so many records available online, you hardly have to leave your home to research your Chicago roots. Case studies will be utilized to demonstrate the research process.

    A professional speaker, Mike Karsen is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and is a past president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois. He has presented over 300 talks on genealogy topics locally, nationally, and internationally, including for the Newberry Library and the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Mike is the author of the JewishGen website’s “Guide to Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland” and has published articles on genealogy.

    JGSI hybrid event participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided. In-person attendance will be limited.

    Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:

    • We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
    •  Face masks are strongly recommended.
    • Water and snacks will be provided.
    • Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
    • And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.

    At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, the JGSI “help desk” will operated from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.

    The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.

    The Jewish Genealogical Societyof Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is “Members Helping Members Since 1981.” The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.

    JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members’ forum, more than 70 video recordings of past speakers’ presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.

    For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.


Examples of Past Events

21 May 2023 “Networks and Chains: The Paths of Jewish Migrants from Central and Eastern Europe to Chicago Before 1914” by Tobias Brinkmann--VIA ZOOM
21 May 2023 “Networks and Chains: The Paths of Jewish Migrants from Central and Eastern Europe to Chicago Before 1914” by Tobias Brinkmann--IN PERSON
23 Apr 2023 “In the Shadow of the Shtetl: Small-Town Jewish Life in Soviet Ukraine” by Jeffrey Veidlinger--VIA ZOOM
23 Apr 2023 “In the Shadow of the Shtetl: Small-Town Jewish Life in Soviet Ukraine” by Jeffrey Veidlinger--IN PERSON
26 Mar 2023 “Navigating The Center for Jewish History Catalog” by Moriah Amit--VIA ZOOM
26 Mar 2023 “Navigating The Center for Jewish History Catalog” by Moriah Amit--IN PERSON
26 Feb 2023 “Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research” by Janice Sellers--VIA ZOOM
26 Feb 2023 “Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research” by Janice Sellers--IN PERSON
22 Jan 2023 “Ukrainian-Jewish Records: New Online Resources” by Ted Gostin--VIA ZOOM
13 Nov 2022 “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” by Mike Karsen--VIA ZOOM
28 Aug 2022 “Privacy Issues with Online Trees” by E. Randol Schoenberg
21 Aug 2022 Mark your calendar for Aug. 21–25, 2022, for the 42nd IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy
24 Jul 2022 “The Power of the Catalog – Unindexed Records and How to Find Them” by Risa Daitzman Heywood
26 Jun 2022 Kvell and Tell 2022 annual JGSI meeting
12 Jun 2022 Join us on June 12, 2022, at the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival
22 May 2022 “Getting the Most from Revision Lists” by David R. Brill
24 Apr 2022 “Conflict Management: Evaluating Evidence of Identity” by Emily H. Garber
27 Mar 2022 “Ich bin ein Berliner: (Re)uniting 5 Half-siblings from 4 Different Mothers” by Michael Tobias
27 Feb 2022 “What Can We Learn about Our Ancestors from Jewish Surnames Adopted in Eastern Europe?” by Alexander Beider
23 Jan 2022 “Navigating Your Jewish DNA Results” by Adina Newman
14 Nov 2021 “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” by Mike Karsen
24 Oct 2021 “Here Comes The 1950 Census: What To Expect” and “Finding Difficult Passengers on the Ellis Island Manifests” by Joel Weintraub
07 Oct 2021 "Researching Belarus Records for Genealogy" by Paul Zoglin and Dave Feldman
29 Aug 2021 “What the Genealogist Needs to Know About Jewish Family Names” by Sallyann Amdur Sack-Pikus
25 Jul 2021 “A History of Jewish Name Changing in America” by Kirsten Fermaglich
27 Jun 2021 JGSI annual meeting with 'Kvell and Tell' talks
23 May 2021 “Journeys from Shtetl to Shtetl” by Eli Rabinowitz
25 Apr 2021 "Three Guides, Four Countries: A Daughter of Holocaust Survivors Travels to Their Ancestral Villages" by Deborah Long
21 Mar 2021 “Finding Your Kaplans” by Mindie Kaplan
21 Feb 2021 “Clued-In: Interpreting Real Photo Postcards from the Diaspora” and photo analyses by Ava Cohn
24 Jan 2021 “JRI-Poland Update and More” by Stanley Diamond
22 Nov 2020 “Using FamilySearch for Jewish Research” by W. Todd Knowles
25 Oct 2020 “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” by Mike Karsen
30 Aug 2020 “Out of the Whirlwind: Finding Your Family Lost in the Holocaust” by Deborah H. Long
26 Jul 2020 "Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen” and “What Would Nancy Drew Do in the Quest for Missing Family" by Ellen Kowitt
31 May 2020 “A Case Study in Getting Past a Genealogical Brick Wall” by Martin Fischer
03 May 2020 "When DNA or Documents Reveal Life-Altering Origin Secrets” by Steven Flack
23 Feb 2020 “Unique Aspects of Jewish Genealogy” by Debbie Kroopkin
26 Jan 2020 “Family History Resources from the Library of Congress” by Tina Beaird
17 Nov 2019 “Using Periodical Literature for Genealogical Research” and “More than Surname Surfing: Best Practices for Using the Internet for Genealogy” by Curt B. Witcher
27 Oct 2019 “Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland—What’s New” by Mike Karsen
15 Sep 2019 “A Guide to Sephardic Genealogy” by Sarina Roffé
25 Aug 2019 “More Stories about Things I’ve Learned from Doing Genealogy” by Zalman Usiskin
02 Jun 2019 DNA: Tests, Tools and Tales -- A one-day conference
06 May 2019 “A 3-D View of Immigration" by Susan Weinberg
28 Apr 2019 “Three Hershberg Mysteries” by Barry Finkel
07 Apr 2019 “Resurrecting Grandpa’s Store” by Scott Meyer
24 Mar 2019 “The Margarine Moonshiners from Minsk” and “Conducting Story-Driven Research” by Tammy Hepps
03 Mar 2019 “Who Was B. Berman? A Case Study in Getting Past a Genealogical Brick Wall” by Martin Fischer
24 Feb 2019 “Write It! Tips for Saving and Sharing Family History" by Martin Fischer
27 Jan 2019 “Courthouse Finds” by Tina Beaird
Pre- and post-pandemic:  Monthly Meetings are usually held at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Rd, Northbrook.  Please check for any changes in venue by reading the event details.  The Temple will open at 12:30 pm for the help desk and library. JGSI members will be available to help answer genealogical questions, help with Internet searches, and help in the library. Scheduled programs will begin at 2:00 pm.

LINK TO FAQ: How to add the event to your calendar.
© 2023 JGSI | P.O. Box 515, Northbrook, IL 60065-0515 | 312.666.0100 | info@jgsi.org
JGSI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.