Ethics, Sensitivities, Sensibilities, & Property Rights Part II

 The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County  (JGSCV) will hold a general meeting, co–sponsored with Temple Adat Elohim, on

     Sunday, September 9, 2012 1:30: p.m.-3:30 p.m

 at  Temple  Adat  Elohim 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

The Program:

Ethics, Sensitivities, Sensibilities, & Property Rights Part II

Last January’s panel of the same topic was so popular we promised to do a Part II with some different panelists and different issues. How do ethics relate to family history and genealogy? The list ranges from ensuring the integrity of our research, acknowledging the intellectual property of others, not publishing false or misleading information, respecting the privacy of others and being aware of sensitive issues that may cause others distress. However, the lines are not always clearly drawn. For example, we live in the 21st century, and have become accustomed to a media environment where family scandals are commonplace and not particularly noteworthy. With our current sensibilities, it is often difficult to appreciate the shame and stigma that surrounded family secrets that we unearth, and may, among older relatives, still be keenly felt. How do we tell our families’ stories while maintaining an appropriate level of sensitivity? What is our responsibility to the “truth”? Newer issues such as DNA testing also present ethical issues, not the least of which is privacy.

Have you had the challenge of how to address family history with such issues, as adoption, conversion, an “early” birth or baby born outside of marriage, do not know family is Jewish or denial of being Jewish, intermarriage, previous marriage, or sexual preference? What about family information used without citation of sources  or permission, incorrect family information changed and publicized by someone else, consequences of encouraging people to take DNA testing, people copyrighting other people’s information and photographs? Come prepared to ask questions on how to address your ethical issues.

Panelists:

Hal Bookbinder, founding member of JGSCV, past president of IAJGS and JGSLA, author of IAJGS Ethics Statement. Hal received the IAJGS Lifetime Achievement Award for his various contributions to Jewish genealogy. Hal was recently elected to the JewishGen Board of Governors.

Sandra Malek, president of JGSLA and attorney for over 30 years concentrating on employment law,  Sandy has been active in genealogy for nearly a decade, has grown her tree to nearly 4200 individuals. 

Rabbi Richard Spiegel, spiritual leader Temple Etz Chaim, Thousand Oaks since June 2000. He is an active participant and leader in the Rabbinical Assembly. Served as past president of the Pacific Southwest Region of the Rabbinical Assembly and is a member of the Board of Jewish World Watch. 

Adam Wills, Senior Editor, Jewish Journal.

 The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County is dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history. (www.jgscv.org). There is no charge to attend the meeting. Anyone may join JGSCV. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $30 for a family.   Dues paid good through December 2012.

 For more information contact: information@jgscv.org or Jan Meisels Allen@  818-889-6616