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.
Click on the titles below to learn more about each program.
These are just a small sample of our recent offerings, and we add new topics frequently. To bring a session to your community or organization, contact the Sarnoff Center team at 312-357-4718 or [email protected].
Community Program Options
This session offers an overview of Jewish genetic health, 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.
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.
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.
Know Your Genes, Protect Your Future
What if one test could help protect your loved ones for generations? This session introduces the Sarnoff Center’s Hereditary Cancer Testing Program, including what hereditary cancer syndromes are, why they matter for Jewish families, and how the Sarnoff Center’s 63-gene panel provides personalized, actionable results. Learn how genetic testing can help detect cancer early, guide prevention and treatment, and protect your family for generations to come.
Along with environmental factors, genetics are a significant component in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This session offers an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, how genetics plays a role, and what screening and testing options are available, including for conditions like Fragile X syndrome that are more common in the Jewish community.
Family health history is one of the most powerful tools we have for understanding risk across generations. This session explores how aging, genetics, and family health intersect, with practical guidance on gathering and recording your family health history. Knowing which conditions have affected relatives, and at what ages, can help you understand your own risk, take steps to reduce it, and make informed decisions for the whole family.
Clergy are often the first call when a congregant faces a health or family-planning question. This session equips clergy and community leaders with a working knowledge of Jewish genetic health and the resources available to their congregations. Participants learn what the Sarnoff Center offers, how and when to refer congregants for counseling and screening, and how to address family-planning questions in synagogue programming and pre-marital sessions.
Young Adult Program Options
Our young adult programs pair genetics education with a relaxed, social setting, meeting young adults where they are as they think about their health and plan for the future.
A laid-back social program pairing warm drinks and good conversation with meaningful insights about your health. Hear personal stories from community members and learn from the Sarnoff Center’s genetic counselor why genetic screening matters for you and the people you love.
Curious what carrier screening is and how it fits into family planning? This session offers an approachable overview of carrier screening, why it matters, how it works, and how to use your results, with plenty of room for questions. Whether you’re thinking ahead to a family of your own or just want to understand your options, it’s a welcoming intro at any life stage.
A hands-on, social take on genetics. Build your own candy DNA model while learning how genetic testing works and how it can benefit you and your family, no science background required.
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.
Past Programs
Midday DNA: Exploring the Genetic Links to Cancer
The Sarnoff Center, in collaboration with the Cancer Wellness Center, recently hosted this engaging webinar on the connection between genetics and cancer. Genetic Counselor Scott M. Weissman led the session, offering expert guidance on
Beyond Tay Sachs: Genetics & Family Planning in 2025
The Sarnoff Center recently hosted this community webinar featuring Genetic Counselor Scott M. Weissman, moderated by Rabbi Lisa Greene of North Shore Congregation Israel. Scott delved into the fundamentals of genetics, highlighting the significance
Midday DNA: Autism and Genetics
April is World Autism Month, also known as Autism Acceptance Month in the United States. Along with environmental factors, genetics are a significant component in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. View this informative webinar
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
