News from Other Societies

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay meets at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, 14041 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, Florida on Sunday, December 9, 2007. A social with refreshments and library access begins at 1:30 PM, and the featured program starts at 2:00 PM.

Larry Domnitch will discuss the subject of his book "The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar". Mr. Domnitch's book depicts through personal accounts a tragic and significant era in Jewish History. Tens of thousands of Jewish children – some as young as 12 years old – were forced to serve in the Czar's army for 25 years with the intent of forcing the boys to abandon their faith. This book describes their struggles as well as those of their communities. This was an era of trauma and tribulation for the entire Pale of Settlement (designated provinces where Russian Jews were forced to live), which also had long-term impacts upon the Jewish community.

Larry Domnitch is a professor of Jewish History at Touro College in Miami Beach, and he teaches language arts at Mechinah Yeshiva High School in that same city. Larry is also the author of "The Jewish Holidays: A Journey Through History", published by Jason Aronson. In addition to his two books Larry writes extensively for newspapers and journals throughout the United States and Israel. He has an MA in Jewish History from Yeshiva University, and he resides with his wife and four children in Boca Raton.

Anyone interested in learning how to do Jewish genealogical research is invited to attend. Beginners as well as experienced researchers are welcome. For information on the organization or directions to the meeting call Sally Israel at 727-343-1652.