Avraham Groll is the Senior Director of Business Operations for JewishGen. After studying in Israel at Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim for two years, he received a BS from Ramapo College, an MBA from Montclair State University, and an MA in Judaic Studies from Touro College. He is married to Dina, and has three children, Chaim, Miriam and Shifra.

Educators Forum*: “Introduction to Jewish Genealogy” (Sun-130), 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

JewishGen.org offers both archival and networking components.

In part 1 of this presentation, Avraham Groll discuss common challenges that people encounter when researching their family history, and how JewishGen can help.

In the second part of this presentation, Avraham will discuss ways that JewishGen can help educators incorporate Jewish Genealogy within their curriculum. He will walk participants through a variety of different ways that genealogy can help personalize Jewish history, and customs and ceremonies lessons. Using JewishGen as a lesson planning tool and classroom resource, Avraham will suggest how your students and their families can connect with their own personal history.

Topics: Ashkenazic research, Beginning genealogists, Cemetery research, Holocaust research, Immigration and migration over the ages, Jewish history and culture, Jewish surname adoption and naming patterns, Organization and preservation, Repositories

*The combined fee for attendance at the full conference and the Educators’ Forum is just $365 during early on-line registration through April 30. If one wishes to attend the Educator’s Forum only, registration fee is $50 per person. See http://www.iajgs2016.org/educators/

“Jewish Life in Poland (10th-18th Centuries)” (Mon-121), 9-10:15 A.M.

This session will explore patterns of Jewish migration to Poland between the 10th-11th centuries. We will discuss when and why the major shifts happened, the “Golden Age of Polish Jewry,” the reaction to Shabtai Tzvi, and how the Jewish experience in Poland helped set the stage, in part, for the eventual rise of the Hasidic movement.

This presentation is designed for beginners, and is not a workshop. Maps, pictures, and documents will be displayed. Handouts with further information and a bibliography will also be distributed.

Topics: Ashkenazic research, Beginning genealogists

“JewishGen 2016” (Mon-122), 7-8:30 P.M.

Update of what is new at JewishGen.org, and previews of future developments and projects. We’ll review where we’ve been and where we’re going, and outline exciting new directions. There will be demonstrations of our ever-expanding databases, resources, and search tools. We will also announce our Volunteer of the Year award and pay tribute to the Ukraine SIG. [presented with Warren Blatt and Michael Tobias]

Topics: Topics: Ashkenazic research, Beginning genealogists, Cemetery research, Genealogy and Jewish history related to WWI, Holocaust research, Jewish surname adoption and naming patterns, Mizrachi research, Organization and preservation, Rabbinic research, Repositories, Sephardic research, Specific countries or geographic areas, Technology in support of genealogical research

“Jewish Migration Patterns – Part 1” (Thurs-127), 7:30-8:45 A.M.

This session will explore the main Jewish migration patterns from Antiquity through the 10th century. Using a multitude of sources, we will discuss how Jews reached the land of Israel, where they resettled after multiple expulsions, and under what conditions they lived. By understanding the Jewish migration patterns, and the circumstances under which they lived, we will be granted a deeper appreciation of our collective Jewish heritage and family history. As part of this discussion, we will also discuss the dividing line between Antiquity and the medieval era, and its ramifications on future Jewish settlement and living conditions. This presentation is designed for beginners, and is not a workshop. Maps, pictures, and documents will be displayed. Handouts with further information and a bibliography will also be distributed.

Topics: Ashkenazic research, Beginning genealogists, Immigration and migration over the ages, Sephardic research

Sub-Carpathia SIG Meeting (Thurs-159), 10:30-11:45 A.M.

[co-leader: Warren Blatt]

JewishGen Luncheon* (Thurs-162), 12-1:30 P.M.

[co-presenter: Warren Blatt]

Note: Attendance at a scheduled luncheon requires registration for the event and an additional fee of $44 (non-Kosher meal) or $54 (Kosher meal) per person.

“Jewish Migration Patterns – Part 2” (Thurs-128), 3-4:15 P.M.

This session will explore patterns of Jewish migration between the 10th-14th centuries, as major Jewish centers emerged in Spain, Germany, France and Italy. We will use Spain and France as case studies to understand the conditions within the Jewish community that set the stage for the eventual shift toward Eastern Europe (the derivative centers).