Society Meetings
Our meeting programs feature guest lecturers, workshops, seminars, roundtable discussions and the opportunity to network with others sharing the same interests. Visitors with an interest in Jewish genealogy are always welcome. Meetings are held from September to June, normally on the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 1:30 PM. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the offices of Gulf Coast Family and Community Services in Clearwater.
Next Meeting: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12
Jewish DNA: Overcoming Issues of Endogamy
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay’s Sunday, April 12, 2026, meeting will feature genealogist Jarrett Ross, who will speak about techniques on overcoming issues from endogamy when dealing with DNA results, especially for people with Jewish ancestry.
Genetic genealogy can confirm hundreds of years of documentation and break down brick walls. Yet, confirming new family and expanding one’s tree using Jewish genetic genealogy is a difficult task filled with many pitfalls, especially when it comes to endogamy, the practice of marrying within the same community that can lead to thousands of DNA matches.
The presentation will explore multiple case studies by Ross in researching his own family history using genetic genealogy. Using different types of DNA tests and multiple techniques to identify significant DNA matches Ross was able to expand multiple branches of his tree and find lost cousins, for both his Ashkenazi and Sephardi ancestry. He will break down the process of each case study and what methods found success in his research.
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• Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
• Time: Online socializing begins at 1:30 p.m.;
Program – 2 p.m.
• Place: Register here to obtain Zoom link
• Program: "Jewish DNA: Overcoming Issues of Endogamy"​​
• Speaker: Genealogist Jarrett Ross
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Register on our Reservation Page to receive the Zoom link. The program is free to members and $5 for non-members. Dues through 2026 are $25 for single members and $35 for couples/families and can be paid through our Dues Payment Page. Membership application can be found at https://www.jgstb.org/membership-application.
For more information about the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay, go to https://www.jgstb.org/. For specific questions about the JGSTB, please contact Bruce Hadburg at 727-796-7981, or email him at bhadburg@tampabay.rr.com.
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​Many families that Gulf Coast JFCS serve struggle to provide food for themselves and their children. The Gulf Coast JFCS William and Sally Israel Food Pantry supports families and individuals in need including through our Family Reunification Services program. Your support ensures program counselors and coordinators can access healthy food items for families experiencing food insecurity. Removing worry about food shortages allows families to focus on other vital building blocks for healthy families. Please consider supporting those in need by donatng debit cards or cash to Gulf Coast JFCS in person or through their website or through its Amazon store.​
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May 17 -- Docent-led tour of Florida Holocaust Museum (Members only)
June 14 -- TBA