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Center Fact Sheets, Publications &
Collaborations:
Jewish Genetic Disorders: What Rabbis Need to Know
The Center assists rabbis by educating them about Jewish genetic disorders, increasing rabbinic knowledge of contemporary medical and ethical issues as they relate to Jewish law, and encouraging them to disseminate information on Jewish genetic disorders to premarital couples. By working with the Center, rabbis can help impact the health of Jewish couples and families. We recommend these steps to begin:
- Stay informed: The Center has many resources of interest to rabbis and others concerned about Jewish genetic disorders, hereditary cancers, and related topics. Our bimonthly e-newsletter can keep you updated about Center activities and programs, as well as provide links to Center publications and articles on halachic issues from the Resources for Rabbis section of the Center’s website. Email Jennifer Wells at JenniferWells@juf.org to sign up for the Center’s newsletter list.
- Distribute resources: The Center has a number of new and revised publications for rabbis to distribute to the community. A Young Couple’s Guide to Jewish Genetic Disorders and Screening is the perfect resource for engaged couples that need to know the importance of carrier screening. Other resources, such as the Center’s general publicity brochure, the recently revised Jewish Genetic Disorders: What You Should Know, and Russian language brochures, are also available as supplemental materials for your congregants. Email Rachel Sacks at RachelSacks@juf.org to request your free copies.
- Be an advocate: In addition to distributing Center brochures, rabbis can become advocates for health by encouraging other rabbis, cantors, Jewish professionals, and congregants to similarly incorporate education about Jewish genetic disorders and hereditary cancers into the work they do everyday in the Chicago area Jewish community.
- Don’t be afraid to say, "I don’t know": As a rabbi, you are assumed to be an expert on all topics of importance to the community. But we know, however, that you may not be an expert on Jewish genetic disorders. Don’t be afraid to say, "I don’t know." The Center exists as a clearinghouse for information on these topics. Please refer such questions to us, and our genetic counselor Michelle Gilats will be happy to answer them.
- Make referrals: The Center’s genetic counselor is available to answer questions about Jewish genetic disorders and hereditary cancers, or to find another expert who is able to do so. She is also able to discuss screening with couples, including the possibility of attending one of the Center’s subsidized screening programs, held four times a year. You can feel comfortable referring your congregants to us and can rest assured that we will do our best to help them.
Last updated January 26, 2007
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