Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto

Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 1 of 5
2025-11-19 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way you research and share your family history.
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto for an exciting five-session online series designed to help you use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity AI, to take your genealogy research to the next level.
In this engaging, hands-on course, you will:

Learn how to organize, analyze, and document your family tree using AI
Explore AI-assisted search techniques for JewishGen, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and other genealogy databases
See how AI can help interpret DNA results and uncover hidden family connections
Gain practical tips on writing and sharing your family story with AI support

Taught by Jerry Scherer and Arthur Sissman, with their AI assistants ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity AI
Schedule: ​​Five 60-minute classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time

Date
Session
Subject

19 Nov 2025
1
Getting started with AI in Jewish genealogy

03 Dec 2025
2
Organize your genealogy files with AI

14 Jan 2026
3
Exploring genealogy databases and tools with AI

11 Feb 2026
4
Decoding DNA insights with AI

11 Mar 2026
5
Documenting and sharing your family story using AI

Registration:

CDN$40 (less than US$30)
Includes JGS Toronto membership through December 2026
Includes a one-month complimentary access to Ancestry and MyHeritage databases
Recorded sessions and course handouts available on the members-only website
JGS Toronto members can register for the course at no additional cost

Membership Benefits:

Access to all JGS Toronto programs and special interest group
Quarterly Shem Tov newsletter, weekly e-mails, and member discounts
A vibrant community of Jewish genealogists and access to expert-led learning

JGS Toronto member registration:
Non-member registration:

Register for this Course

(Note: you must be logged in to the website)

Join JGS Toronto as a member: Complete Membership Application

Remit your payment
Send an e-mail message to: membership@JGSToronto.ca
subject: AI Course
body: Your full name and email address
(You do not need a website userid or login to register.)

Finding the Facts of My Family’s Stories
2025-11-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
speaker: John Lorinc, a Toronto journalist and editor
From pre-war Budapest to post-war Toronto, No Jews Live Here, John Lorinc’s 2024 book, unspools four generations of a Hungarian Jewish family’s journey through the Holocaust, the 1956 Revolution, and finally exodus from a country that cannot rid itself of its antisemitic demons. John Lorinc will focus on his eccentric and defiant grandmother, a consummate survivor with a love of flashy jewelry and a vicious tongue. He will also trace the stories of his grandfathers and his father, all of whom fell victim, in diverse ways, to the Nazis’ genocidal campaign to cleanse Europe of Jews.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Is the recording available to members? Yes
Is the recording available to non-members? Yes, for 2 weeks

Family Tree Maker SIG: Discover FTM 2024
2025-11-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Mark Olsen, Family Tree Maker ambassador, will introduce the brand-new Family Tree Maker 2024 Edition, highlighting its exciting new features and enhancements. Whether you are a long-time FTM user or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to see what’s new and ask questions directly from the expert.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Is the recording available to members? Yes
Is the recording available to non-members? No

Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 2 of 5
2025-12-03 19:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way you research and share your family history.
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto for an exciting five-session online series designed to help you use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity AI, to take your genealogy research to the next level.
In this engaging, hands-on online course, you will:

Learn how to organize, analyze, and document your family tree using AI
Explore AI-assisted search techniques for JewishGen, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and other genealogy databases
See how AI can help interpret DNA results and uncover hidden family connections
Gain practical tips on writing and sharing your family story with AI support

Taught by Jerry Scherer and Arthur Sissman, with their AI assistants ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity AI
Schedule: ​​Five 60-minute classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time

Date
Session
Subject

19 Nov 2025
1
Getting started with AI in Jewish genealogy

03 Dec 2025
2
Organize your genealogy files with AI

14 Jan 2026
3
Exploring genealogy databases and tools with AI

11 Feb 2026
4
Decoding DNA insights with AI

11 Mar 2026
5
Documenting and sharing your family story using AI

JGS Toronto member registration:
no additional charge
Non-member registration:
included with your CDN$40 membership fee (through December 2026)

Register for this Course

(Note: you must be logged in to the website)

Join JGS Toronto as a member: Complete Membership Application

Remit payment for the membership fee
Send an e-mail message to: membership@JGSToronto.ca
subject: AI Course
body: Your full name and email address
Shortly thereafter (typically within 36 hours) you’ll receive your login credentials for our website.

(Note: you do not need a website userid or login to register)

To review session 1 of the course:

Login to the members-only page of our website
Select Past Presentations and Workshops from the menu on the right side of the page
Review the session recording and other materials. Links to these materials can be found in the teal highlighted box to the right of the page; on a mobile device, the teal highlighted box may appear lower on the page

The History of the South African Jews - Part 2
2025-12-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
From The Pale to Pretoria … Carrying a Small Suitcase Filled with Courage, Faith and Hope – Part 2
In partnership with Classi Lectures
In this continuation of Ralph Cilevitz‘s presentation of 01 June 2025, he tells the story of Jewish immigrants who journeyed from the cities and shtetls of the Pale of Settlement to the cities and dorpies at the southern tip of Africa. Most arrived young, alone, and with little more than their determination and quiet strength. Ralph explores how thousands of Jewish families built new lives and preserved their faith and hope while adapting to unfamiliar places and languages. He offers a vivid look at courage, migration, resilience, and community. Whether you’re interested in genealogy, Jewish history, or human endurance, this presentation brings the past to life in a way that is deeply personal and richly human.
Ralph Cilevitz was born in South Africa and studied electronic and mechanical engineering before emigrating to Canada in 1979. Based in Toronto, he is a board member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto. With over 50 years of genealogical research, Ralph combines historical insight with a passion for storytelling. When he’s not digging through archives, you’ll find him competing on the track in multi-event athletics, playing field hockey or pickleball, or strumming the guitar.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Is the recording available to members? Yes
Is the recording available to non-members? Yes, for 2 weeks

DNA Special Interest Group
2026-01-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
Our DNA Special Interest Group (SIG) offers an interactive forum where participants can learn how to use DNA as a tool for Jewish genealogy. Each session is self-contained and focuses on real case studies, practical tips, and guidance from our experts. Whether you’re just getting started with DNA testing or have been working with your matches for years, you’ll gain valuable insights you can apply directly to your own research.
You are welcome to join any or all of the sessions. No prior attendance is required, and every program is designed so that both new and returning participants can benefit fully.
Our DNA SIG Leaders:
Gil Bardige (Chicago, Illinois) has been a genealogist for over 40 years and a genetic genealogist since 2007. He has tested at the four major testing companies and is the co-administrator of three projects at FTDNA, including Jewish R1B and R-A11711 Subclade Projects. Gil is chair of the Columbus Ohio JGS, a volunteer at IAJGS Conferences (including the Program Committee), and director of the mentoring program. Over the last five years, he has regularly helped people navigate their DNA matches by speaking at dozens of Jewish genealogical societies. After his presentations, people often say: “Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!”
Arthur Sissman (Naples, Florida) has been engaged in family history genealogy since 1999 and genetic genealogy (DNA) since 2015. Arthur has built over 60 family history trees for his various family surname lines. In addition, he has tested his autosomal DNA at all the major DNA testing companies, and his Y-DNA and MtDNA at FamilyTreeDNA. Using his “3-Legged Stool Protocol” — focusing on surname, place, and DNA — Arthur has found previously unknown relatives and built a tree out to 1500 from Galicia/Romania, with over 50+ DNA matches across all branches. For information on Arthur’s Jewish Genealogy SIG monthly meetings and scheduled workshops, email genresearch13@yahoo.com.
Submit Your DNA Questions
Here’s your chance to send in your DNA-related inquiries to our experts, who are here to aid your research. When you submit your questions, there might be a request for consent to potentially share your screen, DNA match names, and family tree members. This sharing enables others to learn from the techniques used by our experts.
Please be sure to include comprehensive details with your question, highlighting your previous research. You’ll find the questionnaire form available on the registration page — please send your submissions in advance. This deadline ensures that our maven can contact you for any extra information, if required.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 3 of 5
2026-01-14 19:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way you research and share your family history.
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto for an exciting five-session online series designed to help you use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity AI, to take your genealogy research to the next level.
In this engaging, hands-on online course, you will:

Learn how to organize, analyze, and document your family tree using AI
Explore AI-assisted search techniques for JewishGen, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and other genealogy databases
See how AI can help interpret DNA results and uncover hidden family connections
Gain practical tips on writing and sharing your family story with AI support

Taught by Jerry Scherer and Arthur Sissman, with their AI assistants ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity AI
Schedule: ​​Five 60-minute classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time

Date
Session
Subject

19 Nov 2025
1
Getting started with AI in Jewish genealogy

03 Dec 2025
2
Smart organizations of your genealogy

14 Jan 2026
3
Exploring genealogy databases and tools with AI

11 Feb 2026
4
Decoding DNA insights with AI

11 Mar 2026
5
Documenting and sharing your family story using AI

JGS Toronto member registration:
no additional charge
Non-member registration:
included with your CDN$40 membership fee (through December 2026)

Register for this Course

(Note: you must be logged in to the website)

Join JGS Toronto as a member: Complete Membership Application

Remit payment for the membership fee
Send an e-mail message to: membership@JGSToronto.ca
subject: AI Course
body: Your full name and email address
Shortly thereafter (typically within 36 hours) you’ll receive your login credentials for our website.

(Note: you do not need a website userid or login to register)

To review sessions 1 and 2 of the course:

Login to the members-only page of our website
Select Past Presentations and Workshops from the menu on the right side of the page
Review the session recording and other materials. Links to these materials can be found in the teal highlighted box to the right of the page; on a mobile device, the teal highlighted box may appear lower on the page

Researching the Jewish Story in Soviet-Occupied Poland, 1939-41 - Latest Available Resources
2026-01-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
speaker: Steven Turner, genealogist and president of Gesher Galicia, a town leader for JRI-Poland, and a member of the board of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Long Island.
In 1939, at the beginning of WWII, Germany and the Soviet Union divided Poland into Occupation Zones. Many Jews fled into the Soviet zone trying to stay a step ahead of the Germans. Life though was not easy. Many Jews were arrested and deported to labor camps in the East. Many hastily got married for various reasons and had children. Gesher Galicia has two projects, one of vital records and one of criminal files from the NKVD, the Soviet secret police, relating to this period. These are some of the most amazing genealogical records one will ever see with pictures, correspondence to overseas relatives, and much genealogical data. Dr. Turner will demonstrate these records and show the researcher how to access and work with them to find precious information on their ancestors.
On Zoom only
FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Seeing the Past More Clearly with AI
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
This practical, hands-on clinic is suitable for beginners and experienced researchers alike. No prior AI experience is required. We will focus on how to write clear, effective prompts to help AI analyze genealogical materials.
During the session, we will demonstrate participant-developed prompts for:

Translating foreign-language records
Analyzing headstones and photographs
Extracting information from obituaries and documents

Our goal is to build a shared library of prompts that members can reuse to overcome research brick walls.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? TBD
Who may view the recording? Members only

Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 4 of 5
2026-02-11 19:00 | Virtual
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way you research and share your family history.
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto for an exciting five-session online series designed to help you use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity AI, to take your genealogy research to the next level.
In this engaging, hands-on online course, you will:

Learn how to organize, analyze, and document your family tree using AI
Explore AI-assisted search techniques for JewishGen, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and other genealogy databases
See how AI can help interpret DNA results and uncover hidden family connections
Gain practical tips on writing and sharing your family story with AI support

Taught by Jerry Scherer and Arthur Sissman, with their AI assistants ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity AI
Schedule: ​​Five 60-minute classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time REVISED 7:00 p.m. ET

Date
Session
Subject

19 Nov 2025
1
Getting started with AI in Jewish genealogy

03 Dec 2025
2
Smart organizations of your genealogy

14 Jan 2026
3
AI in action in the real world

11 Feb 2026
4
Decoding DNA insights with AI

11 Mar 2026
5
Documenting and sharing your family story using AI

JGS Toronto member registration:
no additional charge
Non-member registration:
included with your CDN$40 membership fee (through December 2026)

Register for this Course

(Note: you must be logged in to the website)

Join JGS Toronto as a member: Complete Membership Application

Remit payment for the membership fee
Send an e-mail message to: membership@JGSToronto.ca
subject: AI Course
body: Your full name and email address
Shortly thereafter (typically within 36 hours) you’ll receive your login credentials for our website.

(Note: you do not need a website userid or login to register)

To review sessions 1 through 3 of the course:

Login to the members-only page of our website
Select Past Presentations and Workshops from the menu on the right side of the page
Review the session recording and other materials. Links to these materials can be found in the teal highlighted box to the right of the page; on a mobile device, the teal highlighted box may appear lower on the page

Kingston-Upon-Hull: A Forgotten Way-Station on the Road to Canada and the USA
2026-02-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
speaker: Dr. Marne Platt
Find out more about this important, often untold story of the passage of families from Eastern Europe as they headed to Kingston-Upon-Hull on their way to North America. Learn more about this transition point in the story of many Jewish emigrants!
Marne Platt is an American genealogist and researcher, living in Switzerland. She is well-versed in the trials and tribulations of the immigration process that occurred as our ancestors landed in Hull, England.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Family Tree Maker SIG Workshop: Setting Up Family Tree Maker
2026-02-25 19:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Join us for a virtual Family Tree Maker (FTM) workshop intended to help you build and manage your family tree on your home desktop computer while deepening your understanding of your family history. Family Tree Maker is a powerful desktop-based genealogy tool that interfaces seamlessly with both Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Whether you are just getting started or looking to strengthen your existing skills, this session will provide practical guidance and useful insights.
In addition, we will highlight the exclusive FTM SIG member discount available to JGS Toronto members, along with a curated set of recommended links and resources to support you as you continue your Family Tree Maker journey.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover the Magic of the AI SIG: Bringing Our History into the Future
Have you heard the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) but aren’t sure what it means for your family tree? The AI special interest group (SIG) is a new collaborative hub where we demystify the latest technology together.
We bridge the gap between “high-tech” ideas and the practical ways they can help you find your family. We skip the technical jargon and focus on knowledge exchange—sharing how tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) [often called “smart assistants” or “chatbots”] can breathe new life into your research.
This AI SIG meeting may include discussions on:

Hands-on Demos: See real-world showcases of how AI reads difficult handwriting (paleography) in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, or the multiple other languages of Europe and the Middle East.
Privacy & Security: Learn the “golden rules” of AI privacy—how to use these tools safely without compromising your family’s private data or DNA results.
Problem Solving: Participate in peer-to-peer troubleshooting to move past technical hurdles.
Advanced Techniques: Learn about meta-prompting (the art of giving the AI a specialized “role” or “expert persona”) to get much more accurate research results.
Enhancing Memories: Learn how to clear up blurry family photos or organize decades of notes in seconds.

Whether you are an AI-curious researcher or just getting started with a tablet, you are welcome at the AI SIG.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 5 of 5
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way you research and share your family history.
Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto for an exciting five-session online series designed to help you use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity AI, to take your genealogy research to the next level.
In this engaging, hands-on online course, you will:

Learn how to organize, analyze, and document your family tree using AI
Explore AI-assisted search techniques for JewishGen, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and other genealogy databases
See how AI can help interpret DNA results and uncover hidden family connections
Gain practical tips on writing and sharing your family story with AI support

Taught by Jerry Scherer and Arthur Sissman, with their AI assistants ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity AI
Schedule: ​​Five 60-minute classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time REVISED 7:00 p.m. Eastern time

Date
Session
Subject

19 Nov 2025
1
Getting started with AI in Jewish genealogy

03 Dec 2025
2
Smart organizations of your genealogy

14 Jan 2026
3
AI in action in the real world

11 Feb 2026
4
Decoding DNA insights with AI

11 Mar 2026
5
Documenting and sharing your family story using AI

JGS Toronto member registration:
no additional charge
Non-member registration:
included with your CDN$40 membership fee (through December 2026)

Register for this Course

(Note: you must be logged in to the website)

Join JGS Toronto as a member: Complete Membership Application

Remit payment for the membership fee
Send an e-mail message to: membership@JGSToronto.ca
subject: AI Course
body: Your full name and email address
Shortly thereafter (typically within 36 hours) you’ll receive your login credentials for our website.

(Note: you do not need a website userid or login to register)

To review sessions 1 through 4 of the course:

Login to the members-only page of our website
Select Past Presentations and Workshops from the menu on the right side of the page
Review the session recording and other materials. Links to these materials can be found in the teal highlighted box to the right of the page; on a mobile device, the teal highlighted box may appear lower on the page

How Did They Get From There to Here? Bradshaw’s Railway Guide and Other Tools of Discovery
2026-03-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Emily Garber will take a deep dive into reconstructing the overland journeys that emigrants took from their communities to the ports of departure. Join us to see if you can piece together your family’s travels and understand the reasons why they took the passages they did.
Emily Garber is a researcher, writer, and speaker who has been doing family research since 2007. She holds a certificate in Jewish genealogical research from Boston University.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover the Magic of the AI SIG: Bringing Our History into the Future
Have you heard the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) but aren’t sure what it means for your family tree? The AI special interest group (SIG) is a new collaborative hub where we demystify the latest technology together.
We bridge the gap between “high-tech” ideas and the practical ways they can help you find your family. We skip the technical jargon and focus on knowledge exchange—sharing how tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) [often called “smart assistants” or “chatbots”] can breathe new life into your research.
This AI SIG meeting may include discussions on:

Hands-on Demos: See real-world showcases of how AI reads difficult handwriting (paleography) in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, or the multiple other languages of Europe and the Middle East.
Privacy & Security: Learn the “golden rules” of AI privacy—how to use these tools safely without compromising your family’s private data or DNA results.
Problem Solving: Participate in peer-to-peer troubleshooting to move past technical hurdles.
Advanced Techniques: Learn about meta-prompting (the art of giving the AI a specialized “role” or “expert persona”) to get much more accurate research results.
Enhancing Memories: Learn how to clear up blurry family photos or organize decades of notes in seconds.

Lead instructor Arthur Sissman acts as your personal “guide on the side” while our AI chatbot serves as the “sage on the stage.”

Celebrate Successes: Show the group what worked! Your breakthroughs provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Troubleshoot Failures: Hit a wall? Bring your “stuck” prompts and let Arthur and the Chatbot analyze the “why” to find a solution in real-time.
Interactive Growth: Move from a passive observer to an active participant in the future of genealogy.

AI SIG lecture presentations are open and free to the public; this workshop, however, is designed for in-depth, hands-on interaction among participants and is, therefore, reserved for JGS Toronto members only.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

How Do You Reveal the Results of 40 Years of Researching Your Family Tree?
2026-04-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
Please join us as JGS Toronto member David Price continues the journey he began last year during our annual Brick Walls and Breakthroughs presentation. David detailed his efforts to preserve his family’s legacy through photos and documents. With the limited time allowed during his last presentation, he barely scratched the surface of his research methodology. Now he will continue where he left off with another entertaining and educational lecture. Peppered with amusing anecdotes, family controversies, and his usual pizzazz, David has something for everyone, whether you are a novice genealogist or a seasoned veteran.
David Price has been a member of JGS Toronto since 1998. He spent over 30 years as a translator for JRI-Poland and the Polish LDS microfilms. He currently volunteers in our Mentors and Mavens program and is always willing to lend a hand. He lives with his wife Marilyn, whom he describes as a genealogy widow except during supper and Shabbos.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Artificial Intelligence SIG Q&A Workshop
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Discover the Magic of the AI SIG: Bringing Our History into the Future
Have you heard the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) but aren’t sure what it means for your family tree? The AI special interest group (SIG) is a new collaborative hub where we demystify the latest technology together.
We bridge the gap between “high-tech” ideas and the practical ways they can help you find your family. We skip the technical jargon and focus on knowledge exchange—sharing how tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) [often called “smart assistants” or “chatbots”] can breathe new life into your research.
This AI SIG meeting may include discussions on:

Hands-on Demos: See real-world showcases of how AI reads difficult handwriting (paleography) in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, or the multiple other languages of Europe and the Middle East.
Privacy & Security: Learn the “golden rules” of AI privacy—how to use these tools safely without compromising your family’s private data or DNA results.
Problem Solving: Participate in peer-to-peer troubleshooting to move past technical hurdles.
Advanced Techniques: Learn about meta-prompting (the art of giving the AI a specialized “role” or “expert persona”) to get much more accurate research results.
Enhancing Memories: Learn how to clear up blurry family photos or organize decades of notes in seconds.

Lead instructor Arthur Sissman acts as your personal “guide on the side” while our AI chatbot serves as the “sage on the stage.”

Celebrate Successes: Show the group what worked! Your breakthroughs provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Troubleshoot Failures: Hit a wall? Bring your “stuck” prompts and let Arthur and the Chatbot analyze the “why” to find a solution in real-time.
Interactive Growth: Move from a passive observer to an active participant in the future of genealogy.

In this month’s workshop, Arthur will demonstrate how to use NotebookLM.
AI SIG lecture presentations are open and free to the public; this workshop, however, is designed for in-depth, hands-on interaction among participants and is, therefore, reserved for JGS Toronto members only.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

IAJGS Artificial Intelligence for Jewish Genealogy Virtual Summit
2026-04-26 12:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) presents the AI for Jewish Genealogy Virtual Summit — a focused 4‑hour deep dive with two expert talks, a practitioners panel, and live audience Q&A.
Program topics + speakers + registration details coming soon.

MyHeritage SIG: What’s Brewing at MyHeritage? A Sneak Peek with Founder and CEO Gilad Japhet
2026-04-29 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Please join us for an informative and engaging session as we bring you up to date with the latest developments from MyHeritage, as recently announced at RootsTech in March.
MyHeritage continues to evolve at a rapid pace, introducing innovative tools and technologies that are transforming the way we research and preserve our family histories. In this special session, you will hear from MyHeritage founder and CEO, Gilad Japhet who will provide an overview of the company’s newest features and advancements.
This presentation will highlight:

Powerful new research tools designed to enhance your family history discoveries
The latest developments in DNA analysis and matching
Cutting-edge AI features that are changing the landscape of genealogical research
Insights into the vision and future direction of MyHeritage
A preview of exciting innovations still to come

Whether you are a seasoned MyHeritage user or just beginning your genealogical journey, this session will offer valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you make the most of this dynamic platform.
We are especially pleased to share this presentation that was originally delivered in–person only at RootsTech and was not made available online—until now.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQs for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

DNA Special Interest Group
2026-05-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
Our DNA Special Interest Group (SIG) offers an interactive forum where participants can learn how to use DNA as a tool for Jewish genealogy. Each session is self-contained and focuses on real case studies, practical tips, and guidance from our experts. Whether you’re just getting started with DNA testing or have been working with your matches for years, you’ll gain valuable insights you can apply directly to your own research.
You are welcome to join any or all of the sessions. No prior attendance is required, and every program is designed so that both new and returning participants can benefit fully.
Our DNA SIG Leaders:
Gil Bardige (Chicago, Illinois) has been a genealogist for over 40 years and a genetic genealogist since 2007. He has tested at the four major testing companies and is the co-administrator of three projects at FTDNA, including Jewish R1B and R-A11711 Subclade Projects. Gil is chair of the Columbus Ohio JGS, a volunteer at IAJGS Conferences (including the Program Committee), and director of the mentoring program. Over the last five years, he has regularly helped people navigate their DNA matches by speaking at dozens of Jewish genealogical societies. After his presentations, people often say: “Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!”
Arthur Sissman (Naples, Florida) has been engaged in family history genealogy since 1999 and genetic genealogy (DNA) since 2015. Arthur has built over 60 family history trees for his various family surname lines. In addition, he has tested his autosomal DNA at all the major DNA testing companies, and his Y-DNA and MtDNA at FamilyTreeDNA. Using his “3-Legged Stool Protocol” — focusing on surname, place, and DNA — Arthur has found previously unknown relatives and built a tree out to 1500 from Galicia/Romania, with over 50+ DNA matches across all branches. For information on Arthur’s Jewish Genealogy SIG monthly meetings and scheduled workshops, email genresearch13@yahoo.com.
Submit Your DNA Questions
Here’s your chance to send in your DNA-related inquiries to our experts, who are here to aid your research. When you submit your questions, there might be a request for consent to potentially share your screen, DNA match names, and family tree members. This sharing enables others to learn from the techniques used by our experts.
Please be sure to include comprehensive details with your question, highlighting your previous research. You’ll find the questionnaire form available on the registration page — please send your submissions in advance. This deadline ensures that our maven can contact you for any extra information, if required.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group
2026-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Unlock the Power of Our New AI Resource Library
Join the JGS Toronto AI SIG for a special workshop introducing our brand-new AI Resource Library available through the JGS Toronto website.
This session will demonstrate how to effectively use:

Our growing library of AI prompts
The AI guidebook and instructional materials
Research and genealogy related AI resources
Best practices for getting the most useful results from AI tools

Although the resource materials themselves will be publicly accessible, this interactive workshop is exclusively for JGS Toronto members.
Members attending the workshop will receive:

Step by step instruction on how to use the library
Guidance on accessing and adapting prompts effectively
Live demonstrations
Ask questions and learn practical techniques directly from our AI SIG leader, Arthur Sissman

If you want to learn how to make AI work for your genealogy and research needs, this workshop is an excellent place to begin.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Annual General Meeting
2026-05-31 10:30 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
The annual general meeting (AGM) of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto will be held on Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 10:30 a.m. ET
The meeting will take place at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York, Ontario and will also be conducted via Zoom.
We encourage your attendance and participation!
The AGM will be immediately followed at 11:00 a.m. by our May program featuring Peter Jassem, former chair of the Polish-Jewish Heritage Foundation of Canada, who will be speaking on researching Shoah victims and survivors.
Advance registration is not required to attend the Annual General Meeting and/or Peter Jassem’s presentation in person. For participation via Zoom, register here:
Register for Zoom participation

Annual General Meeting Information
JGS Toronto’s officers and directors are elected annually at each Annual General Meeting to serve a one-year term through the following year’s AGM. According to the society’s By-laws, a maximum of fifteen (15) directors is permitted. We encourage and welcome your nominations for positions on the board of directors. Nominations should include the name of the person being nominated and, if applicable, the position for which the nomination is being made. Nominations must be accompanied by the agreement of two members (not including those who are part of the nominee’s family membership) in good standing making the nomination. Please send nominations for board positions by e-mail to the chair of the Nominations Committee, Sue Diamond-Gardner, at sdiamond@jgstoronto.ca by Friday, 08 May 2026 at noon.
The agenda for the annual general meeting appears below. Members wishing to ask questions at the AGM on matters set out in this agenda should address them in advance to president@jgstoronto.ca by Monday, 25 May 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
If you are unable to attend the annual general meeting in person or via Zoom and wish to appoint a proxyholder to represent you, please download and complete the Designation of Proxyholder form and submit it to secretary@jgstoronto.ca no later than Monday, 25 May 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
A summary of the 2025 financial statements will be presented during the meeting and will also be available to review in the Members area of the JGS Toronto website prior to the meeting, as will the minutes of the 2025 annual general meeting. Copies of the financial statements and meeting minutes may also be requested via e-mail from secretary@jgstoronto.ca.
Please note that, in accordance with the society’s By-laws, only members of JGS Toronto entitled to vote at the meeting will be admitted to the annual general meeting. The Shaarei Shomayim meeting room and Zoom session will open to the public immediately following adjournment of the AGM and prior to Peter Jassem’s presentation.

Annual General Meeting Agenda
10:30 a.m. — members only

Call to Order
Approval of the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 18 June 2025
President’s Report
Volunteer Recognition
In Memoriam
Treasurer’s Report

Approval of 2025 Financial Statements
Appointment of Auditor for 2026
Approval of Membership Dues for 2027

Nominations and Election

Report of the Nomination Committee
Election of 2026-2027 Board of Directors

Adjournment

Program
11:00 a.m. — public
Researching Shoah Victims and Survivors – Peter Jassem

In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
Register for Zoom participation

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Researching Shoah Victims & Survivors
2026-05-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
Peter Jassem will describe his research on more than sixty victims and survivors of the Shoah, all of whom were close relatives on his father’s side. He will explain how he documented the circumstances of their deaths or survival, verified vital records, collected photographs, and traced the postwar experiences of those who survived. While his focus is on Poland, where all of the individuals he researched lived prior to the Holocaust, many of the resources and methodologies he used are applicable to research on former Jewish citizens of other European countries.
The presentation will be richly illustrated and will be recorded for the benefit of members.
Peter Jassem is a Polish-born architect who, upon discovering his Jewish roots in adulthood, embraced his new identity and dedicated decades of his life to Jewish genealogical research and volunteer work.
He served as a board member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Canada (Toronto) [now JGS Toronto] for some time, chaired the programming of the 22nd IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy held in Toronto in 2002, for which he was praised by the Jerusalem Post, and has contributed articles to Shem Tov.
For more than 15 years he chaired the Polish-Jewish Heritage Foundation of Canada, and for 18 years served on the Board of Jewish Records Indexing–Poland, helping to build one of the world’s most significant Jewish genealogical resources. He currently chairs the Canadian Friends of the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Over the years, Peter has organized landmark cultural programs, Holocaust education initiatives, exhibitions, and community events.
Recently, his research has focused on the wartime fate and experiences of the extended family of his Jewish father. This work led to the submission of dozens of Pages of Testimony to Yad Vashem and he has begun work on a book documenting their history.
Peter’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for building bridges of understanding and respect between Jewish and Polish communities, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, awarded in Canada for his dedication to preserving the lessons of humanity and tolerance learned from Holocaust survivors.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
Register for this Program

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Brick Walls and Breakthroughs
2026-06-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto will once again be hosting our extremely popular annual Brick Walls and Breakthroughs meeting on Wednesday evening, 17 June 2026. This program features stories by our members who share their challenges, techniques, and solutions that led to research breakthroughs.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom. Advance registration is not required for in-person attendance. For participation via Zoom, register here:
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1. Discovering My Great Grandmother’s Maiden Name
Speaker: John Diener
When John Diener began researching his maternal ancestry in the 1990s, he quickly encountered a dilemma. Believing that his great-grandmother Rivkah Wiseberg’s maiden name was Kahansky, he soon discovered a number of discrepancies in the documentation. His extensive research revealed that her name was not what he and the rest of his family had always thought. Discovering the truth led Diener to dozens of relatives on a whole new, previously unknown branch of his family tree.
John Diener has been researching his family roots for more than 30 years. He has served as vice-president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Ottawa, Co-Chair of Jewish Memorial Gardens in Ottawa and is currently the president of the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society. He has also served on the board of Gesher Galicia and has recently joined the board of the National Holocaust Monument Committee.

2. My Relative, Sandy Koufax
Speaker: David Price
As one of our most prolific members and researchers, David Price continues to discover more and more connections to relatives throughout the world. For this year’s Brick Walls and Breakthroughs presentation, David relates how after many years of speculation, he has finally confirmed his family’s relationship to the great Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax.
David Price has been a member of JGS Toronto since 1998. He spent over 30 years as a translator for JRI-Poland and the Polish LDS microfilms. He currently volunteers in our Mentors and Mavens program and is always willing to lend a hand.

3. Tracking Down the Memories of Jewish Rouyn-Noranda
Speakers: Rosalie Mednick Nepom, Harvey Korman, Esther Korman-Verred and Sol Mednick
From the 1920s through to the 70s, the northern mining Quebec town of Rouyn-Noranda had a small but vibrant Jewish community. During the pandemic in 2020, a group of ex-residents got together to develop a definitive volume about their home town.
JGS-Toronto member Rosalie Mednick Nepom and her brother Sol Mednick along with cousins Harvey Korman, Esther Korman-Verred and retired dentist, Dr. Isaac Katz embarked on a quest to compile a group of over 40 stories to preserve the history and first person memories of the now vanished local Jewish population.
With the help of former JGS Toronto president Bill Gladstone, they were able to research and locate many former residents (or their descendants) and elicit their fond recollections. In 2023, they published “The Jewish Community of Rouyn-Noranda: The Life and History of a Small Jewish Community in Northern Quebec.”
In this special presentation, Rosalie, Harvey, Sol and Esther will detail the challenges and brick walls they encountered and how they captured the stories of this lost community.
After the meeting, copies of their book will be available for sale.

4. A Family’s Holocaust Story, Hidden in Plain Sight for Over 75 Years
Speaker: Jerry Scherer
For JGS Toronto Board member Jerry Scherer, one of the most extraordinary discoveries of his genealogical journey was not found in an archive, a database, or a distant cemetery. It was an artifact sitting in his own home. One remarkable story of survival, finally unlocked with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Where did it come from? What does it reveal? And why does it still matter today? Come listen and find out.
Jerry is a long time member of JGS Toronto and was named the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) Volunteer of the Year for 2024. He specializes in using AI to help researchers locate records, clarify family lines, and preserve history for future generations.

In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom. Advance registration is not required for in-person attendance. For participation via Zoom, register here:
Register for Zoom participation

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group
2026-06-25 19:00 - 20:30
Jewish Genealogy + AI: An Interactive Show-and-Tell Workshop
Have you ever wondered what AI could actually do with your great-grandmother’s passenger manifest — or that headstone you can’t quite read?
Browse the free AI guidebooks and prompts available through JGS Toronto and, if you have 15–30 minutes to spare, try something before we meet.
Free JGS Toronto AI Resources: Visit the Artificial Intelligence Resources topic on our website (Resources > JGS Toronto Resources > Artificial Intelligence Resources) to find the link to our AI resource library which provides language prompts, genealogy prompts, and guidebooks … all available now, with more coming soon. If you have trouble finding them, reach out to aisig@jgstoronto.ca and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Before the Meeting — No experience required — even a first attempt counts. Try one genealogy task using AI and see what happens. For example:

Translate a document
Analyze a passenger list
Transcribe a headstone
Research an ancestral town
Create a research plan
Analyze a DNA match

Bring One Thing — Come prepared to share:

A prompt you used
The result you received
A success, challenge, surprise, or question

The goal is to learn from one another, discover practical uses for AI in Jewish genealogy, and leave with new ideas you can use right away. Your host, Arthur, will guide the conversation — but the best insights will come from you.
The AI resource materials are publicly accessible, but this interactive workshop is open only to members of JGS Toronto.
On Zoom only
Register for this Program (members only)

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Members only
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recording? Members only

Unlocking Canada’s Naturalization Records
2026-09-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
The federal government holds millions of records of files documenting how our immigrant ancestors became naturalized in Canada from 1915 to 1951. These records are often a treasure trove of information for genealogists. Bill Gladstone explores the content of these files, why
they are valuable resources, and how to deal with limited public access.
Bill Gladstone is a Toronto-based journalist, author, publisher, and genealogist, as well as a past president of JGS Toronto.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
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FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? No

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group
2026-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
An interactive space where JGS Toronto members bring ongoing projects to share breakthroughs, successes and brick walls.
We demonstrate live how AI can be used as a tool to resolve your specific problems.

Jewish Canadian Military Records from the Second World War
2026-10-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1V8, Canada
Peter Usher’s illustrated talk will provide a guide to the enlistment, service, combat, casualty, and burial records of the thousands of Jewish Canadians who served in the Second World War. He will tell us how to obtain these records, what they say and do not say, and how to understand and interpret them.
Peter Usher is the author of two acclaimed biographies of Jewish Canadian airmen.
In person at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue, North York and on Zoom.
Register for this Program

FAQ for this program:

Who may register for this program? Public
Is it being recorded? Yes
Who may view the recoding? Members only
