Scholar in Residence

Our Scholar in Residence program invites speakers from a wide range of interests and abilities to appeal to members in various ways.

In 2009, we had Bennett Greenspan, Founder, President and CEO of Family Tree DNA and an expert on Jewish genetic genealogy. Mr. Greenspan spoke about using genetic genealogy to solve family mysteries and about Jewish history and genetic genealogy. He explained how the use of DNA testing can further family history research when the paper trail ends or traditional genealogy runs into a brick wall.

Many Temple members had their own DNA tested by Family Tree DNA. Family Tree’s testing can show which of the 18 branches of the tree you came from. Their databases are the largest in the world containing records for Jews of Ashkenazi and Sephardic origins, as well as Levite and Cohanim. One can confirm Cohanim lineage, furthering the theory that all Cohanim today are related through a single paternal lineage that can be tracked back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. It also reveals origins and migration patterns of your ancestors. When someone submits their DNA for testing, they have the option to allow for contact with others who match their markers in the database.

Scholar in Residence Committee
Chairs: Diane Robinson, Tom Barnett
Members: Herb Adler, Barb Bloch, Dee Dee King, Sheila Wien, Laura Ziegler
Goals: Invite the guest speaker with the help of the Rabbi. Plan the events for the weekend the Scholar is in Kansas City. Publicize the events.