Florida: Biblical genealogy, May 16

"We are still putting fruit on the family tree that our Patriarchs planted," says Rabbi Edward Davis, who will speak on "Biblical Genealogy," at the Jewish Genealogical Society of Broward County (Florida), on Sunday May 16.

He will not be speaking on who begat whom, but says:

In Biblical times many marriages were arranged in order to protect tradition and/or properties. This created interesting historical patterns. Nevertheless the Messiah himself will come with a messy family tree, including incest, conversion and alleged adultery. We are still putting fruit on the family tree that our patriarchs planted.

The program begins at 1pm, in the second floor Lab B, at the Alvin Sherman Library, Nova Southeastern University, at 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd, in Davie. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so register online in advance.

Since 1981, Davis has served as rabbi of Young Israel of Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale. He studied at Yeshiva University, receiving smicha (Orthodox rabbinical ordination), a mathematics BA and a Jewish history MS, and did post-grad studies at Netzach Israel Rabbinical Seminary (Jerusalem).

An educator and lecturer who has taught at a variety of institutions - including New York City's Lincoln Square Synagogue, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia - Davis was also instrumental in forming the ORB of Broward and Palm Beach counties, which oversees kashrut in some 100 area businesses.

Read more about Rabbi Davis here.

Read more about the JGS of Broward County here.