The Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics provides educational resources on recessive genetic disorders and hereditary cancers in individuals of Jewish ancestry. Our hope is that these offerings help Jewish communities take ownership over their health by increasing access to quality community-based educational programming about Jewish genetic disorders, hereditary cancers, and genetic counseling and testing.
Upcoming Events
Monday, April 7th
Chicago Loop Synagogue
9:00 a.m.
Kickstart your week with bagels and an insightful presentation about your health. Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are ten times more likely than the general population to carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, significantly increasing the risk of breast cancer (in both women and men), ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. This presentation will delve into hereditary cancers within the Jewish community and offer guidance on discussing family health history.
RSVP by contacting Cary Wolovick at caryw@chiloopsyn.org
Monday, April 21st
Zoom | 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Discover the importance of genetics and carrier screening at this webinar featuring Genetic Counselor Scott M. Weissman from the Norton and Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics, moderated by Rabbi Lisa Greene of North Shore Congregation Israel. This webinar will provide a background on genetics, the disorders more commonly screened for in the Jewish population, and the easy process to get screened right from your home!
This webinar is presented in partnership with: North Shore Congregation Israel, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Congregation Sukkat Shalom, & Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim.
To register, visit: juf.org/BeyondTaySachs
Monday, May 12th
Zoom | 12-1 p.m.
Join the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics and the Cancer Wellness Center to discuss the connection between your genes and cancer. Hear from Genetic Counselor, Scott M. Weissman, on assessing the risk of cancer, genetic screening options, and what this means for you and your family. This webinar is open to everyone and relevant to all, regardless of ethnic background.
To register, visit: juf.org/MidDayDNA
Community Program Options
- Jewish Genetics 101 – This session offers an overview of Jewish genetic health concerns, including hereditary cancers and recessive genetic disorders. The session also provides background on common genetic health concerns, how to record family health history, and the differences in genetic testing.
- What’s Jewish About Hereditary Cancer?: BRCA & Beyond – Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are 10 times more likely than the general population to have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increases the risk of breast cancer in both women and men, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. This session focuses on hereditary cancers in the Jewish community and provides guidance on how to talk to your family about health history.
- Understanding Differences in Genetic Testing – Genetic testing is becoming more ubiquitous and not all tests are created equal. This session untangles the differences in genetic testing, from ancestry DNA testing to carrier screening to testing for personal health risks. This session also provides an overview of some of the incredible advances in genetic technology, as well as community resources.
- What Interfaith Families Need to Know About Jewish Genetics – Anyone can be at risk for a “Jewish” genetic disorder, even families with only some or no Jewish ancestry. This session offers details on how families with some Jewish ancestry can understand and address their genetic health risks.
Youth Program Options
Our Youth programs offer a variety of educational activities geared specifically for younger audiences that will lead to greater understanding of how Jewish genetic health issues may impact them and their families. We’re happy to tailor the content of any program to meet the needs of your specific audience/age group.
- The Youth Family Tree Program (geared toward ages 8 and under) – provides an intro to inherited traits with fun facts about genetics followed by a color in the family tree worksheet.
- Genetics 101 & DNA Extraction Activity (geared toward ages ~12 and older) – a mini science experiment to extract DNA and an introductory presentation about DNA and genes.
Past Programs
Candy Chromosomes: Build Your Own DNA
The Sarnoff Center was delighted to participate in this year's Shir Hadash Purim Carnival, where we hosted an engaging activity that combined education with fun. Participants of all ages joined us to craft candy
What’s Jewish About Hereditary Cancer?: BRCA & Beyond
Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are 10 times more likely than the general population to have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increases the risk of breast cancer in both women
Jewish Genetic Disorders and Carrier Screening
1 in 4 Ashkenazi Jews is a ‘carrier’ for a recessive genetic disorder —and likely doesn’t know it. Carriers are generally healthy individuals, but if two people are carriers of the same condition, their
Jewish Genetics 101: What You Need To Know
This webinar offers an overview of Jewish genetic health concerns, including hereditary cancers and recessive genetic disorders. It also provides background on genetic health concerns common to people of every background: family health history
Decoding Your DNA: Family Planning and Carrier Screening Explained
Are you or your family curious about what carrier screening is and how it can impact your family planning? This informative webinar provides a comprehensive overview of carrier screening - why it’s important, how
Deep Roots, Stronger Branches: The Value of Knowing Your Family Health History
Family health history is one tool that healthcare providers use to assess an individual’s risk for certain conditions. Why is it important? Knowing which health conditions affect certain family members, and at what ages,
