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

Erev Chanukah
2025-12-14

Chanukah
2025-12-15 - 2025-12-22

Board Meeting
2025-12-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-09 19:30 - 21:30

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

Christmas
2025-12-25

Boxing Day
2025-12-26

New Year's Day
2026-01-01

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

Erev Purim
2026-03-02

Purim
2026-03-03

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

Erev Passover
2026-04-01

Passover
2026-04-02 - 2026-04-09
