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.
Community Program Options
- Jewish Genetics 101 – This session offers an overview of Jewish genetic health concerns, including hereditary cancers and recessive genetic disorders. It will also cover basic genetic concepts and the importance of carrier screening.
- What’s Jewish About Hereditary Cancer?: BRCA & Beyond – Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are10 times more likely than the general population to have a BRCA mutation, which increases the risk of breast cancer in both women and men, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma. This session aims to raise awareness about hereditary cancers in the Jewish community.
- 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
What’s Jewish about Hereditary Cancer? Q&A Session
In October 2020, the Sarnoff Center presented our first virtual iteration of What’s Jewish about Hereditary Cancer? Watch the Q&A portion here.
Event Recording: What’s Jewish About BRCA?
Watch a 2018 program about hereditary cancers in the Jewish community, featuring a panel of experts and personal stories.
