Unlock the Power of AI in Jewish Genealogy - class 4 of 5
2026-02-11 19:00 (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 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

DNA Special Interest Group
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

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

Board Meeting
2026-03-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-11 19:30 - 21:30

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

Good Friday
2026-04-03

Easter
2026-04-05

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

Yom HaShoah v'haGvurah
2026-04-14

Yom HaZikaron
2026-04-21

Yom HaAtzmaut
2026-04-22

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

Victoria Day
2026-05-18

Erev Shavuot
2026-05-21

Shavuot
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-23

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
