Schedule of Upcoming Events
Please note: Meeting times, dates, locations and speakers are subject to change.
Information is regularly updated.
Our meetings will be in-person AND online whenever possible and safe, and for members who do not live near the Philadelphia area.
We’re having a party!
The 44th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy was a huge success. We are celebrating our society’s accomplishments in hosting the conference and all its volunteers. All members are welcome.
Date: October 6th
Location: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd,
Elkins Park, PA 19027
Time: 12-2
Speakers: Michael Schatz and Jerry Silverman, Philadelphia Jewish History Tours
Dr. Michael Schatz, native of Philadelphia whose family has lived in the region since the turn of the 20th century, shares his passion for history, Jewish life, synagogue architecture, as well as local stories and customs in a variety of tour itineraries. Dr. Schatz holds bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in education and Jewish studies from Vassar College, Arcadia University, and Gratz College. As past president of the Jewish Educators Assembly, Schatz has been a formal and informal Jewish educator for over two decades. He was awarded the degree Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa, from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Jerry Silverman is a certified member of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. He earned a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature and a Master of Jewish Education from Gratz College, plus secular degrees in math education from Temple U. Jerry served as the High School principal of Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill, NJ, as well as the Educational Director of Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel. Since 2009, Jerry has been giving tours for Mural Arts Philadelphia, Hidden City Philadelphia, and the Preservation Alliance.
Topic: Jewish Art in Philadelphia
Our meeting will start at 12:00.
*For those who will watch from home, below is the Zoom link: There will be NO CHAT and Shmooze prior to the meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8791908192?pwd=N0JUb01tZ3p3WTFuOEl6aVEwNFVFZz09&omn=81110035681
Meeting ID: 879 190 8192
Passcode: JGASGP2024
Happy and Healthy New Year! Shana Tova!
Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:30 pm
(2 pm for Schmoozing and Mentoring)
Hybrid Meeting – In Person Venue Main Line Reform Temple, Wynnewood, PA
Speaker: Renée Carl, Professional Genealogist and Advocate for Records Access
Renée Carl is a professional genealogist and advocate for historic preservation and records access. She previously worked in public policy, until realizing that researching dead people is easier than working with Congress. Her background in government and cultural anthropology brings an unique perspective to locating and interpreting records.
Renée is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington, and the JewishGen Latvia Research Group. She also serves as a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists Advocacy Committee and as policy advisor to the RecordsNotRevenue.com campaign.
Renée worked as a researcher for Season 2 of PBS’ Genealogy Roadshow and served as lead researcher for Season 3. She regularly researches at the National Archives, Library of Congress, and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. You can find Renée online at EasternEuropeanMutt.com.
Topic: The Future of USCIS Records: The Record Destruction Clock is Ticking
USCIS maintains millions of priceless historical documents, some of which can be accessed via the troubled Genealogy Program, while others require FOIA requests, or remain out of reach entirely. Panelists will provide a brief background on some of the records sets; why the documents are vital to knowing 19th and 20th Century US Immigration history; and what lies ahead. Panelists will: • Update participants on advocacy efforts to push USCIS to transfer historical records in its custody to the National Archives; • Discuss C-Files and the urgency of needing USCIS to change their status from temporary to permanent (destruction date: 2056); • Discuss P-Files and the urgency of needing USCIS to change their status from temporary to permanent (destruction date: 2050); and • Explain how legislative advocacy is necessary to implement these changes. Genealogists and genealogy societies play a vital role in influencing Federal records management. The future of USCIS-held records remains in jeopardy if the community does not work to protect them. Participants will come away with new information and key action steps.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30 pm
(2 pm for Schmoozing and Mentoring)
Hybrid Meeting – In Person Venue Main Line Reform Temple, Wynnewood, PA
Speaker: Jean Lewanda, Author
Jean retired to Yardley, PA after spending 40 years as a special educator in the Greater Hartford, CT area. She had the honor and pleasure of editing her father’s memoir, which details her family history in Austria, his escape from Vienna, life in Shanghai, escape from China to Europe, and his eventual arrival in New York City with her mother and brother. Jean was born in 1954, one year after their arrival. Through her involvement with the Jewish Book Council, and other organizations, Jean has been able to share her Dad’s memoir. She have done work in the area of Holocaust Education and hopes to continue on this path. Jean has completed her first book, a historical fiction account of her Mom’s life, which has been accepted for publication, hopefully to be released this year. Shalama: My 96 Seasons in China relates the story of Russian Jews who emigrated to China in the early 1900’s.
Topic: Jews in China: 1840-1957
Three Jewish Communities lived in China from the 1840s through 1957. The three groups were the Baghdadi Sephardim, the Ashkenazi Russians, and the Ashkenazi refugees from central Europe, predominantly Germany, Austria and Poland. Some survived, while others thrived, but for all, China proved to be a safe haven until it was time to move on again. The journey of two families, one Russian, the other Austrian, will be highlighted in this presentation, as will the important role the Baghdadis played in supporting the entire Jewish Community.
Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1:30 pm
(1 pm for Schmoozing and Mentoring)
Zoom Only Meeting
Speaker: Andrea Bentschneider, Professional Genealogist based in Hamburg, Germany
Andrea Bentschneider, a highly respected professional genealogist based in Hamburg, Germany, is renowned for her expertise and contributions to the field of genealogy. Since establishing “Beyond History” in 2004, she has emerged as Germany’s foremost expert in genealogical research. Andrea’s proficiency has led her to feature prominently in various national and international television formats, including shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Finding Your Roots,” as well as being a regular guest on German radio and TV programs. Her firm specializes in diverse genealogical services, including ancestor research, World Wars documentation, Jewish family research, and assistance with citizenship applications, catering to clients globally.
Since 2013, Andrea has served as the President of the Association of German-speaking Professional Genealogists, setting modern standards and accreditation in the field. She joined the board of the International German Genealogy Partnership as a Director at-large in 2024. A passionate educator, she regularly conducts webinars and presentations in English and German at various conferences, notably captivating audiences at RootsTech, IGGP and IAJGS conferences . With over 20 years of professional experience, Andrea and her team have completed more than 2,000 research projects, aiding over 1,800 clients. Her work philosophy, “We give your ancestors a voice and tell their stories,” reflects her commitment to uncovering and honoring the narratives of ancestors. Andrea’s global perspective.
Topic: Voyage of Hope and Hardship: The 19th Century Emigration Experience through German ports – Atlantic Crossing Realities and Requirements
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, a massive wave of emigrants, embarked on arduous journeys from German ports such as Hamburg, Bremen, and Stettin, seeking new lives across the Atlantic. This presentation delves deeply into the historical context of German emigration, emphasizing the compelling reasons behind these monumental decisions, with a particular focus on Jewish emigrants. It explores in detail the challenging conditions faced during the ocean crossing – from the financial burdens and lengthy travel durations to the often harsh and cramped conditions aboard the ships. The talk also highlights the phenomenon of indirect emigration, where Hamburg emerged as a pivotal transit point, leading to many emigrants becoming unexpectedly stranded in the UK, unable to reach their final destinations. The final segment of the presentation is dedicated to unveiling the rich tapestry of records and sources available for tracing these emigrant ancestors, including specialized lists of Jewish emigrants departing from Hamburg and other valuable resources that illuminate the paths of those not found in conventional passenger departure records.
Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 1:30 pm
(1 pm for Schmoozing and Mentoring)
Zoom Only Meeting
Speaker: Susan Weinberg, Author, Researcher, and Speaker
Susan Weinberg is an artist, author, researcher, and frequent speaker on genealogy topics. Her creative work often involves storytelling and frequently explores family history themes. Susan is the president of the Minnesota Jewish Genealogical Society (MNJGS) and serves on the board of IAJGS and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. She developed the Jewish Identity and Legacy Project, an oral history project with Jewish elders, then authored the book We Spoke Jewish: A Legacy in Stories that includes oral history, artwork, and history on three groups of Jewish immigrants who spanned the 1900s. Susan has created Kehilalinks for several ancestral towns, worked as a volunteer with JRI-Poland and coordinated the Radom BOF at prior conferences. She writes frequently for publications on genealogy topics and does genealogy research for clients around the world.
Topic: Mining the Manifest
An immigration manifest connects old to new and thus can be a powerful source of information if you know how to mine it. After 1906, immigration manifests offer a wealth of information, but what do you do if your family came over prior to that time? This presentation explores the immigration period from the early 1890s through 1906, a period which begins to offer useful information for a genealogical search. Using a case approach, we will look at derivative naturalization documents, trace contacts they were going to through the NY vital records and follow immigrants who found their route through Canada. Once in New York, we will explore how you can follow their journey outside of New York. We will explore cases with name changes and variable spellings, work back from other documents, and resolve conflicting data.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 1:30 pm,
(1 pm for Schmoozing and Mentoring)
Hybrid Meeting – In Person Venue TBD
Speaker: Rabbi Lance Sussman, Emeritus Rabbi Keneseth Israel and Historian
Lance J. Sussman has taken on many roles as a thought-leader in the Jewish community. In his 40+ years as a rabbi, Sussman’s insights and expertise have brought a fresh perspective on the issues of the American Jewish experience. Throughout his career, Sussman has been an active scholar, writer, educator, and public speaker.
As Senior Rabbi at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, for more than 20 years, Sussman left his mark on the synagogue and its community that will be woven through its history for decades to come. Now that he has retired as a pulpit rabbi, Sussman has set his sights on a new and expanding role in the Jewish community.
Topic: The Remarkable Jewish Story of the National Farm School
In 1896, Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, purchased a 100-acre farm in Doylestown with the intention of starting a school that would attract Russian Jews – helping them to start a new life in a new country. Learn more about what led this esteemed Philadelphia rabbi to undertake this remarkable project — and how it ultimately resulted in the creation of Delaware Valley University.