An e-mail from one of your fellow majors who has organized this program:
"Most simply put, a number of genetic disorders occur more frequently in
certain ethnic groups. In the Ashkenazi Jewish population (those of
Eastern European descent), approximately 1 in 4 individuals is a carrier
of a gene for a condition that could be severe and may result in the early
death of a child.
An educational discussion panel will be held at the Hillel JUC on
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 to discuss both scientific and Jewish issues
concerning genetic diseases.The members of the panel are Dr. David
Finegold, Rabbi Daniel Young and Barbara and Jay Rogal. Dr. Finegold will
discuss the current status of research and treatment. Rabbi Young will
discuss the Jewish views of genetic science and the Rogals will give their
perspective as parents of a daughter with Gaucher disease.
Note: The program begins at 7:15 but will be preceded by a free vegetarian
Israeli dinner at 6:30."
The program is open to all.
For more information, contact Naomi Rosen, nar26@pitt.edu
