Blue Genes Shabbat

Nothing is more heartbreaking than for a child to be born with a Jewish genetic disease that could have been detected or even prevented through testing.  Fortunately, screening is available for many of these diseases with one simple blood test.

To raise awareness and educate the community about these diseases, JFCS has partnered with one of the world's foremost biotechnology companies, Genzyme, to host a series of Blue Genes Shabbats this fall at local synagogues.  Each synagogue will plan its own event and host an educational Kiddush.  

Blue Genes Shabbat is modeled after the successful Pink Shabbat program that has been in place for a year and a half at area synagogues.  Pink Shabbat provides healing and support for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families, and raises awareness of our Yad b'Yad Program.

Approximately one in four people in the Ashkenazi Jewish population is a carrier of a Jewish genetic disease.  If two carriers of the same condition have children together, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will be born with the disease.  There are more than a dozen inherited diseases that are common in the Jewish population.  Some, such as Tay-Sachs disease, Dysautonomia, and Canavan disease, can lead to the early death of a child, while others such as Gaucher disease can be treated so the individual can lead a normal life.  Early detection is key.

Through Blue Genes Shabbat, JFCS hopes to ensure that the birth of a child in a Jewish family will be a time of joy instead of worry and grief.

Additional Resources

Click on the links below for additional information and resources about Jewish genetic diseases.

• What Are the Disorders?
• Inheriting the Disorders
• Just the Facts
• Additional Resources

Upcoming Events

Check our event calendar for additional information.  Dates and locations will be announced as they are scheduled.

• December 18, 2009:  Adath Emanu-El