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
Beta Thalassemia: Sickle Cell Disease’s Lesser Known ‘Jewish’ Cousin
By Carol Guzman Every year, on the 19th of June, we celebrate World Sickle Cell Day
In an Age of Information Overload, Carrier Screening Provides Peace of Mind
By Sarah Goldberg As genetic tests allow us to know more about our makeup than
Fragile X Awareness Month: A Closer Look at X-Linked Disorders
By Emily Reisler Most of us can agree that summer months often feel fun and
