Founded in 1985 by Betty Provizer Starkman, the Jewish Genealogical Society of Michigan is a leader in education, research, information exchange forums and resources for Jewish genealogy. Most of our events are hosted at the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
We are the proud winner of such prestigious awards as:
- Outstanding Programming that Advances Jewish Genealogy
- Best Publication for our quarterly newsletter, Generations
- Genealogical Research Award for utilizing the most modern techniques for research
- Genealogical Library Award for maintaining an independent research library
Membership is available to anyone interested in genealogy. Dues are based on a fiscal year of August 1 to July 31.
We invite you to take a look around, learn about our society and explore all that we have to offer.
Beginner’s Workshop October 4
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Farmington Community Library
32737 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Free for Members
$10.00 for Non Members – can be applied to a Membership
Join us to learn how to get started!
This workshop is intended for those beginning their search. Bring any of your questions, and feel free to bring your laptop to take notes. We’ll also have access to computers in the library on which to use Ancestry.com, for which your own subscription will not be necessary.
For those attending Simchat Torah services, please join us after.
Beth Olem Cemetery Open 10/11/26
Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Beth Olem Cemetery is scheduled to be open on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 10AM to 1PM.
Beth Olem is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Michigan, with graves dating from the 1880s through World War I. It is located on the grounds of the GM Poletown plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, between Smith and Clay Streets. Visitors are allowed only two times per year, around Rosh Hashanah and Passover.
More information about Beth Olem can be found at the following sites:
- The History of Beth Olem Cemetery (Eric Hergenreder / eherg.com)
- A peek inside Beth Olem, the cemetery that was swallowed by a GM plant (Model D Media)
- Hidden cemetery only remnant of Poletown community (jweekly.com)
- Photos on Flickr
- Beth Olem Cemetery on FindAGrave.com
Call Clover Hill Park Cemetery for additional information: 248-723-8884.
If you plan to attend you can reach out to Jim Grey for more info or directions. He will be there in person.
Email: gentrex@aol.com
Cell: 248-739-9070