Bennett Greenspan, an entrepreneur and life-long genealogy enthusiast, founded Family Tree DNA in 2000, turning a hobby into a full-time vocation. His effort and innovation created the burgeoning field now known as genetic genealogy. Family Tree DNA and other cooperative ventures, including the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project and AfricanDNA.com, now constitute the largest non-medical DNA testing program in the world.

A serial entrepreneur, Greenspan’ s business career has spanned photographic equipment and supplies, real estate, the pro-college website GoCollege.com and Family Tree DNA. He now also is involved in GeneByGene.com, a new medical genetic testing company.

“The DNA of the Jewish People” (Weds-135), 10:30-11:45 A.M.

The discussion regarding the origins of Ashkenazi Jews continues. Some say they did not originate in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East, but instead are descendants of Khazars who converted to Judaism in Eastern Europe. But what do the genetics say?

In this talk, Bennett Greenspan revisits the genetic ancestry of Jews (Ashkenazim and Sephardim). Using male-inherited Y-DNA, he compares the signatures common among Middle Eastern populations with those of European populations, with some surprising – or perhaps not-so-surprising results.

Topics: Ashkenazic research, DNA research and genetics, Immigration and migration over the ages, Jewish history and culture, Sephardic research, Technology in support of genealogical research 

“Crypto-Judaic Studies Panel” (Weds-136), 3:00-4:15 P.M.

[This presentation will be featured on LIVE!]

The Crypto-Judaic Studies Panel will address the most recent updated aspects of this field, including personal stories, available and accessible research possibilities, and DNA genetic studies.

[Panel discussion with Schelly Talalay Dardashti and Genie Milgrom]

Topics: DNA research and genetics, Jews of the Southwest United States, Jewish history and culture, Repositories, Sephardic research, Specific countries or geographic areas 

“Worldwide DNA Survey of Sephardi/Mizrahi Jews” (Thurs-133), 1:30-2:45 P.M.

Even after 15 years of intensive Jewish genetic testing, the Sephardi and Mizrahi component of our Jewish genetic heritage is largely unknown. A collaboration of leading geneticists, historians, DNA project administrators, genealogical organizations, and Sephardi cultural institutions is working toward a worldwide Y and autosomal DNA survey of Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews.

Project coordinator Adam Brown will moderate a discussion among key participants in the project who will outline its progress and ambitions. In conjunction with the project, volunteers will not only undertake a DNA survey of Seattle’s Sephardi population during the conference, but also within and beyond the conference venue.

[Panel discussion with Adam Brown and Schelly Talalay Dardashti]

Category: Beginning genealogists 

Topics: Ashkenazic research, DNA research and genetics, Jews of the Southwest United States, Mizrachi research,  Rabbinic research, Sephardic research, Technology in support of genealogical research, Anusim