Michael R. Bien 

Author

I have been researching my family genealogy for many years and discovered my connection to Lithuania. This small northern Lithuanian town of Biržai has become a central focus of attention for me as I traced my relatives back 5 generations. I have spent years researching online, letter writing to various organizations, DNA testings, translating Yiddish and Russian to English, cold calling, and trips to libraries to review microfiche. I visited Biržai in 2019 as part of a memorial commemoration. I spent time walking the streets of the shtetl, seeing the town firsthand, and experiencing the community of my relatives. I delivered a lecture entitled “The Importance of Jewish Education: From Jerusalem to Biržai” at the Biržai High School to students and tour participants.