“Help! I Got My DNA Results and I’m Confused!” With Gil Bardige

Please join us IN PERSON or on Zoom for our annual meeting and election!

Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Zekelman Holocaust Center
Free
Coffee, tea, and breakfast snacks provided

Are you overwhelmed by your thousands of DNA Results?

You’re not alone. Thousands of genealogy enthusiasts receive their autosomal DNA results from testing companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Family Tree DNA, only to feel completely confused by what they find.

Does This Sound Familiar?

• Tens of thousands of DNA matches who claim to be “close relatives”
• Matches with no shared surnames or geographic connections
• Ethnicity results that don’t match family stories
• Feeling stuck and not knowing where to start
• Ready to give up on genetic genealogy altogether?
• Clusters promise results and you are more confused?

Perhaps you are one of the 4000 people at JewishGen who have viewed Gil’s previous webinars.

Take a deep breath – help is here. Part 1.26 is New & Updated including AScM!

What You’ll Learn:

• Organize and prioritize your overwhelming match list
• Reduce thousands of matches to manageable, actionable research targets
• Discover proven strategies to identify key matches that will expand your family tree
• Master Gil’s updated 2026 processes for genetic genealogy success

Perfect For:

• Beginner Level
• Experienced or Intermediate researchers who feel stuck or overwhelmed
• Anyone ready for a fresh start with their genetic genealogy journey

By the End of This Session, You’ll Be Able to Say:

“Now I understand. I get it. I know what to do next.”

Gil Bardige was born & raised in Chicago and currently lives in the Columbus Ohio area. A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, Gil retired in 2019 after a long career in air conditioning and refrigeration most recently as a National Business Development Leader for Trane Technologies.

At the “instruction” of his mother, Gil began his genealogy adventure in 1979 with 54 people in his tree. Today his family tree including Mishpocha, is over 3200 people tracing 4 branches back to his 5th great grandfathers born about 1740. His family arrived in Chicago in the early 20th century.

For over 18 years Gil has expanded his knowledge of Genetic Genealogy, testing at each of the four major DNA companies, and is Administrator of three Y-DNA projects at Family Tree DNA as a Volunteer. He loves to help people manage their expectations and begin to remove confusion from the DNA results whether it’s Y-DNA, mtDNA, or Autosomal DNA. He had spoken at dozens of local events, international webinars and conferences, including at last 10 IAJGS Conferences.

As the Chair of the Genealogy Committee of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society (JGS), Gil developed and hosts the monthly Kvell & Kvetch genealogy Q&A in Columbus. He co-hosts live Genetic Genealogy Q&A sessions at JGS Illinois and JGS Toronto. Gil is on the Advisory Board of JewishGen Ukraine Research Division. For IAJGS, Gil is on the Conference Strategic Planning Committee; he has managed the Conference Mentoring Programs; and co-hosts the Apple Users and Jewish Genealogy Facebook page plus the monthly virtual BOF (Birds of a Feather) meeting. Gil is a member of APG (Association of Professional Genealogists).

Gil is a firm believer that you can use DNA results as a tool in your genealogical research as it generates clues that can help people confirm/deny relationships. His speaking style is high energy (you won’t be bored) and he loves to take questions. People have said of his presentations, “Thank you, Gil, I am no longer confused!”

2026-2027 Proposed Slate

Officers
President – Joshua Goldberg
VP, Programming – James D. Grey
VP, Membership – Debi Acker-Zolnoski
VP, Publicity – Adina Lipsitz
Recording Secretary – Adina Lipsitz
Corresponding Secretary – Diane Freilich
Treasurer – Neil Goldman
Past President – Adina Lipsitz

Committee Chairs
Librarian – Linda Bell
Editor, Generations – Open
Cemetery Project – Marc Manson
Constitution and By-Laws – Adina Lipsitz
Slate Committee – Adina Lipsitz
Speakers Bureau – James D. Grey
Webmaster – Adina Lipsitz
Member-at-Large – Linda Bisel
Member-at-Large – David Sloan
Member-at-Large – Rob Starkman

Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 10am – 1pm
Street parking at 9535 Van Dyke Detroit, MI.

Just two miles from the storied Beth Olem cemetery, B’nai David dates back to 1898 when the founding fathers of the then Beth David Synagogue bought a 1.6 acre plot of land in what was then Hamtramck Township for $1,800.

Please contact Ann Zaron ann.zaron@att.net for more information.

Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

Beth Olem Cemetery is scheduled to be open on Sunday, April 12, 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

Presented by Elihu “Hugh” Baver

Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 9:45 AM
In person at The Zekelman Holocaust Center and on Zoom
28123 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

 FREE 

Join us for a fascinating discussion connecting baseball, the Holocaust, genealogy and current events!

Hugh Baver is best known for his long-standing involvement and subject matter expertise in preserving and advancing the legacy of Sosúa, Dominican Republic—the only Jewish refugee settlement established during World War II as a direct result of the 1938 Evian Conference.

Through on-the-ground engagement and extensive research Baver has devised dynamic public programming working to elevate Sosúa’s global historical significance as a living case story of refuge, survival, and moral courage during the Holocaust.

The central theme of the presentation is to educate people on the little known Holocaust refugee and immigration history of what occurred back in 1938, and to compare and contrast it with contemporary challenges of refugees and immigration today (ICE seizures, etc) with Sosúa being a prime example of a role model of best practices where refugees/immigrants were not only welcomed/admitted/accepted but were given a path to citizenship and they became fully adopted and productive citizens. 

Elihu “Hugh” Baver is a cultural historian, nonprofit founder, and international project leader whose work centers on Holocaust memory, Jewish refugee history, and intercultural education in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas.

One of the world’s foremost authorities on the topic of the “Evian to Sosúa” unique Holocaust history, over the past 10 years, Baver has given dozens of lectures and presentations, as well as being the subject of multiple TV, Radio, and print media interviews in high visibility global venues.

Presented by Joseph Pearlstein of Prudential Advisors

Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1pm to 5pm
Congregation Beth Shalom
14601 Lincoln Street
Oak Park, MI 48237

FREE!

JGSMI is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Chanu-Con at Beth Shalom on Sunday, November 23rd. Please stop by our table and say hello!

• Live Entertainment with Waterstone Duo | Matthew Ball, Pianist
• Fun Chanukah vendors
• 50/50 Raffle
• Delicious Kosher Food
• Fun Children’s Activities:
  • Yoga With Nature’s Playhouse
  • Bounce House
  • Candle Making
  • Face Painting
  • And much more!

If you have any questions, or are interested in volunteering, please reach out to our Librarian and Beth Shalom member, Linda Bell, at (248) 420-8944 or LindaSBell@aol.com.

This is not a JGSMI program.

Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
27375 Bell Rd
Southfield, MI 48034

Register online at https://limmudmichigan2025.sched.com/
Password: lomdim25

In a time of upheaval and turmoil in the Jewish World, Limmud Michigan presents a timely, thought-provoking event, featuring a major panel discussion. Five highly regarded Jewish public intellectuals will share their thoughtful and articulate observations exploring the profound changes and challenges facing Jews worldwide.

The program includes a catered Kosher lunch, Interactive Q&A with the panel members, and breakout sessions offering various perspectives and deeper dialogue with local and regional thought leaders.

Panel Speakers:

• Elliot Abrams – Council on Foreign Relations, Senior Fellow
• Tal Becker – Shalom Hartman Institute, Vice President
• David Harris – Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, Executive Vice Chair
• Susannah Heschel – Dartmouth College, Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor and chair of Jewish Studies
• Simone Rodan-Benzaquen – AJC Europe, Managing Director

Schedule:

• 10 AM Main Panel: The Condition of the Jewish People
• 12:15 PM Lunch
• 1:30 PM Panel Q&A
• 2:45 PM Breakout Sessions
  • Israel Focus (Lior Zisser-Yogev)
  • Academia Focus (Howard Lupovich)
  • Interfaith Relations Focus (Asher Lopatin)
  • Synagogue Focus (Aaron Starr)
  • Psychotherapy Focus (Elana Goell-Varkovitzky)
  • Jewish High Schools Focus (Rachel Kosowski)
  • Jewish K-8 Schools Focus (Darin Katz)
  • The Jewish College Experience Focus (Davey Rosen)
  • Jewish People of Color Focus (Deborah Greene)
  • Jewish Communal Professionals Focus (Karla Goldman)
  • Progressive Jewish Organizations Focus (Lisa Tencer)

This is not a JGSMI program.

Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 11:00 am
Soul Cafe
5586 Drake Road (south of Walnut Lake)
West Bloomfield, MI

If you plan to attend you can reach out to Jim Grey for more info or directions.
Email: gentrex@aol.com
Cell: 248-739-9070

Sunday, October 12, 10:00 – 11:45 AM
Holocaust Memorial Center or on ZOOM
Light refreshments will be served
Free

The 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy took place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 10-14, 2025 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.

Join other JGSMI Members as they discuss their favorite seminars and their experiences at the conference. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.

The 2026 conference will be held virtually. https://www.iajgs2026.org/

Please register below depending on how you wish to attend. Jim Grey can be contacted with any questions at 248-739-9070.

Please join us IN PERSON or on Zoom for our annual meeting and election!

Sunday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Zekelman Holocaust Center
Free
Coffee, tea, and breakfast snacks provided

Oral History Essentials
Presented by Robbie Terman, Director, Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives

Oral History interviews are an important part of researching your family story. But without the right techniques and equipment, you might miss out on vital information! Join Archivist Robbie Terman as she shares the essentials for taking a great oral history interview and preserving it.

Robbie Terman is the director of the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives and a partner in the Joan Meyers Jampel Center for Michigan Jewish Heritage. With a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and certificate in Archival Administration from Wayne State University, Robbie is on a mission to ensure the past is not forgotten. She brings stories of Jewish Detroit to the public through exhibits, presentations, and social media, and has contributed articles to many publications. Robbie believes that every day is a chance to make history and strives to help others contribute their own stories for the enrichment of future generations.

Please register below depending on how you wish to attend. Jim Grey can be contacted with any questions at 248-739-9070.

The program will also feature a musical interlude by David C. Sloan, of Huntington Woods, a third generation Detroiter, past president of JGS of Michigan, member of Congregation Shir Tikvah and life-long singer/ guitarist, will perform songs of family and home.

David has performed his renditions of folk and traditional songs on North American stages, including Nashville for the US Army World War II Regimental Command Team, the DIA Auditorium and in the Pontiac Theater IV’s production of “Man of La Mancha.” As a classical choral singer he has sung with many choruses including the Detroit Symphony at their home venues and at the Meadowbrook Music Festival, the Oakland University-Community Chorus for 30 years and the North Arkansas Symphony Chorus. David incorporated his guitar, singing and love of family when he taught 3rd and 4th grade religious school at Temple Emanu-El.

For David, ”a day without music and song is a day without life.”

2025-2026 Proposed Slate

The Burton Collection is now open Tuesdays through Saturdays for open visits. JGSMI has arranged to have a “meet up” for anyone would like to join others researching Jewish and Detroit genealogy, in particular to use their large collection of Detroit City Directories.

Saturday, August 24th from 2pm to 6pm
Open house style – come when you want, leave when you want.
Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave in Detroit Map location

Free parking in the employee parking lot gate (on the South side of the Library).

Carpooling is a possibility. RSVP by calling or emailing Jim Grey:

Cell: 248-739-9070
Email: gentrex@aol.com

About the Burton
The Burton Historical Collection (BHC) of the Detroit Public Library began as the private library of Clarence Monroe Burton. In addition to being a prominent attorney, Mr. Burton was a Detroit historiographer and the founder of the C. M. Burton Abstract Co. Mr. Burton’s original intention was to assemble a collection on the history of Detroit. Realizing that Detroit’s history was inextricably connected to that of Michigan and the Old Northwest and those histories to that of Canada and New France, he assembled a collection that was one of the most important private historical collections in the country.

Over the course of 40 years, Mr. Burton systematically collected original documents and personal papers of prominent citizens of Detroit and Michigan. By 1914 the library contained 30,000 volumes, 40,000 pamphlets and 500,000 unpublished papers. Mr. Burton donated his collection, including the building it was housed in, to the Detroit Public Library in 1915. The collection was moved to the new main library in 1921.

The Burton Collection’s Detroit city directories cover the following years:

• 1845-1846
• 1850-1941
• 1953 (West side)
• 1954 (East side)
• 1956 (West side)
• 1957 (East side)
• 1958 (West side)
• 1963 (East side)
• 1964 (East and West side)
• 1965 (West side)
• 1967 (East side)
• 1968 (East and West side)
• 1969 (West side)
• 1970 (East and West side)
• 1973 (West side)
• 1974 (East side)