by Rabbi Sarah Freidson Gina died when I was a junior in high school. She was just fourteen years old and had such a positive and upbeat attitude, despite facing major health issues caused by Familial Dysautonomia, a Jewish genetic disease. She was my friend Scott’s younger sister, and she loved hanging out with
by Shira Kohan As a Persian Jew, we are known for many things: our delicious tahdig and kabob, our perfection of the art of taarof, and of course, our magical healing powers of chai ba’ nabat (tea and rock sugar). However, one thing Persian Jews are definitely not known for is our willingness to
by Rachel Weaver Tay-Sachs. Fragile X Syndrome. I vaguely remembered hearing about these genetic diseases in a high school biology classroom that smelled like glue, or over the buzz of a lecture hall at the University of Georgia, but I had never paid them much mind. While grave, they just seemed like ominous disorders
by Meira Katz Lyons “I screen. You screen. We all screen with JScreen!” That was the chant heard loud and clear as we marched down 5th Avenue with JScreen as part of the Israel Day Parade in Manhattan. Aswe took our first steps onto 5th Avenue, holding the large banner in support of JScreen and to celebrate
JScreen mourns the loss of our friend and fellow Jewish genetic disease activist, Randy Yudenfriend Glaser. Randy cofounded the Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium after giving birth to two children, Lauren and Jonathan, who are living with Mucolipidosis Type IV (ML4), a devastating and life-threatening Jewish genetic disease. Randy’s mission was to educate the community about
by Ilana W. Wow is all I can say! After a whirlwind AIPAC policy conference with over 18,000 people from different backgrounds, cities, and ages, I am more invigorated than ever. I felt like I was in a microcosm of Jewish life; high schoolers interacting with Holocaust survivors, Rabbis and politicians conversing, and pretty
by Kara Wexler Love sweets? Turns out, your genes might actually influence that sweet tooth you’ve always tried to suppress. A study by Dr. Danielle Reed, of Monell Chemical Senses Center, found that a certain subset of the population is genetically more likely to have a “weak sweet taste,” which then creates a craving for
by Ilana of Birthright Israel 1. Group selfie at the airport 2. Group selfie on the bus 3. With your new camel bestie
by Shari Ungerleider When I gave birth to my first child, Evan, in August of 1994, my husband and I were elated. After nine long months of anticipation we were finally blessed with a beautiful baby. We joyfully watched Evan grow and develop normally for the next six months; he was such a happy baby, always
You would never know the struggles that Michelle K endured to have her beautiful, blonde, 6-year old twin girls by her side. She looks calm, happy, and seemingly has it all together. On the contrary, the road to motherhood was anything but easy for Michelle. Michelle was plagued by fertility issues, and after 5 rounds
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