Jerry Scherer a Holocaust survivor, was born in Siberia and spent three years in a Displaced Persons camp, housed in the former barracks of the Waffen-SS, before his family emigrated to Montreal in 1949. With deep roots in his personal history, Jerry has become a prominent figure in the world of Jewish genealogy. He has shared his expertise at events such as Limmud Toronto, Holocaust Education Week, and with numerous synagogues, genealogical societies and Jewish organizations.
Jerry Scherer, Vice-President of JGS Toronto and the 2024 International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) Volunteer of the Year, is a dedicated community leader whose presentations have sparked widespread interest. His recent talks on “Genealogy in the Digital Age” have particularly resonated with audiences, encouraging them to engage with JGS Toronto and explore how AI technology can enhance their genealogical research.
Available Speaking Topics:
- Genealogy in the Digital Age: Discover the cutting-edge advancements in AI, including tools like ChatGPT and Bing Copilot, and their transformative impact on Jewish genealogy. Jerry will guide you on how these technologies can help fulfill the Torah commandments to “tell your children” (Exodus 13:8) and to “honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12) through the mitzvah of documenting family histories.
- The Scherer Family: From Displaced Persons to Canadian Citizens: Delve into the compelling story of Jerry’s family, from their harrowing experiences during the Holocaust and life in Displaced Persons camps to their journey to Canada and the challenges they faced in their first six months in Montreal, supported by JIAS. This presentation showcases how Jerry used his genealogical skills to uncover and preserve his family’s history.
- Introduction to Jewish Genealogy Course: This hands-on, 5-week course is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of researching their Jewish ancestors. With practical computer workshops, this course is perfect for beginners. A minimum of 10 participants with internet access is required to run the course. The course fee of $40 includes an annual membership to JGS Toronto and a CRA tax receipt.
Jerry’s engaging presentations are perfect for anyone interested in exploring their Jewish heritage or learning about the latest tools in genealogy. Don’t miss the opportunity to have him speak at your next event!
