Genetic Sleuthing: Digging Up Family Roots with DNA Testing

Sun 1 Jun, 3:30-5 pm. Society for Advancement of Judaism, 15 West 86th Street, New York, 10010. Michael Witkin, (212) 213-1002. The City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism - [email][events]

As DNA is passed down from one generation to the next, some parts remain almost unchanged, while other parts change greatly. Genetic testing now allows us to retrace our roots, discover family connections and reconstruct family origins. The three most common types of genetic genealogy tests are Y-DNA (paternal line), mtDNA (maternal line), and the autosomal Family Finder test. What are the differences between them and what can we learn from them? What are the options within each of these tests and what are their limitations? How much does it all cost and where can I get my testing done? Once I get my results, then what? Should I join a group project? Are there privacy issues I need to know about? And last but not least, what are the challenges and opportu