Get information about genetic conditions, find resources, access genetic screening, and more
Genetic disorders occur when one or both copies of a gene have undergone a change, or mutation. Because of the common ancestry that many Jews share, some conditions appear in the Jewish population more frequently than in the general population. Many Jewish genetic disorders are passed down in an autosomal recessive fashion, which means they can hide in families until two carriers have a child with the disorder. Tay-Sachs is perhaps the most well-known Jewish genetic disorder, but there are many others.
We’re here to help. The Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics has information to answer your general questions about genetics, Jewish genetic disorders (including those more common among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews), carrier screening, and how Jewish law and ethics relate to genetic health.
Articles and Events
Rare Disease Day and Jewish Genetic Disorders
By Carol Guzman This year, Rare Disease Day falls on the rarest day on the
Can Family Health Histories Help Us Identify Recessive Diseases?
By Carol Guzman Talking about your family health history at the Thanksgiving table is
Tay-Sachs and Carrier Screening: How They Shaped the Jewish Community
By Elianna Miller Many people have heard of Tay-Sachs disease, but what have they
