Dor Yeshorim will be conducting premarital genetic screening for bochurim this Thursday, December 22nd from 6:00pm – 9:00 pm at the Yeshiva Ketana Hall in Lakewood. This screening event follows the outstanding success of last week’s screening for girls conducted in many of Lakewood’s high schools.

The Dor Yeshorim confidential premarital genetic screening program was founded over 30 years ago by Rabbi Josef Ekstein, who tragically watched four of his children die of Tay-Sachs disease r”l. In an effort to prevent other couples from experiencing the same devastation, Rabbi Ekstein came up with this novel approach to identify genetic carriers and help them avoid marrying other carriers of the same disease.

Established under the guidance and support of gedolei yisroel across the spectrum, Dor Yeshorim‘s confidential system eliminates the possible stigma, anxiety and heartache associated with knowing ones carrier status. At the time of screening, participants are given a unique identification number. Dor Yeshorim uses these number to compare results for genetic inconsistencies and can tell potential couples whether they are genetically compatible or not – without disclosing carrier status. The Dor Yeshorim pre-marital screening program delivers the most successful, halachically guided application of genetic sciences and preventative medicine to date — anywhere in the world.

Over 25,000 individuals in 11 countries across the world are tested annually by Dor Yeshorim’s comprehensive screening program. Dor Yeshorim is constantly involved in research and leads the way in groundbreaking genetic development. When a new mutation discovered, Dor Yeshorim consults with its medical and rabbinical advisory boards to evaluate if it should be added to the screening panel.

After many years of intense research and testing development, Dor Yeshorim now tests for an additional 17 diseases prevalent in the Sephardic community. Sephardim should also undergo genetic testing, as they too can be carriers of genetic diseases. Sephardim considering marrying individuals of Ashkanazic descent or vice versa also need to check for compatibility with each other as there are some shared genetic diseases, such as Tay Sachs and cystic fibrosiswhich are found in both Sephardim and Ashkenazim.

Dor Yeshorim encourages all singles to get tested early. By testing prior to entering shidduchim, they will be spared the anxiety of waiting for test results in the middle of the shidduch process. It is highly advisable to check compatibility even before meeting someone for the first time to avoid becoming emotionally invested in a relationship only to later discover a genetic incompatibility.

Dor Yeshorim spares no cost to ensure kal yisroel has all the information necessary to avoid genetic diseases whenever possible and to help build stronger, healthier families. In addition to premarital screenings, Dor Yeshorim assists many families who r”l have children afflicted with rare genetic diseases. Dor Yeshorim provides guidance, referrals and assistance helping these families navigate the complexities of a genetic disease. Dor Yeshorim conducts case specific genetic research to identify each family’s specific disease causing mutation and helps prevent the recurrence of the disease in the family.

For further information, visit our website www.doryeshorim.org or contact us at 718.384.6060 or [email protected].

[TLS – Press Release]