Page 16 - Jewish News_January 2020

16A January 2020 COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish DNA, genetic disease and Crypto-Jews

By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva | This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
he never-ending search for au- ease (1 in 10), Cystic Fibrosis (1 in 24), anthropological studies of Crypto- & Mary Greenspon Family Campus
thenticity and proof of Jewish Tay-Sachs Disease (1 in 27), Familial Jews have increased and whetted many for Jewish Life, 580 McIntosh Road,
Tdescent is in vogue today as Dysautonomia (1 in 31) and Spinal appetites for researching the fruits of Sarasota. To enroll, please contact
evidenced by the large number of indi- Muscular Atrophy (1 in 41). We have family trees. me at marden.paru@gmail.com or
viduals who undergo DNA testing. learned so much in the last few decades Why? And does it matter? How im- 941.379.5655. The fee of $70 includes
The intrigue of finding out more that is now being applied to pre-marital portant are Jewish roots and what does all materials.
about one’s Jewish roots and ancestry and family counseling. it suggest about the future? Join us in a This course is open to everyone re-
seems to be the main motivation for Many oral family traditions por- review of “DNA, Jewish Genetic Dis- gardless of background or personal ori-
such searches. Even the rabbis are now tend Jewish ancestry as in the case of eases and Crypto-Jews” and the never- entation. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva
using DNA testing to determine Jew- b’nei anusim (Crypto-Jews). Through ending search for Jewish identity. The is a 501(c)(3) non-denominational
ish identity and status. Add to this the DNA discovery, many are now return- Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is offering an not-for-profit organization, which also
concern about inherited Jewish genetic ing to Judaism. eight-week course on Mondays, from operates, in part, through a grant from
diseases, and it makes such searches all The Spanish government offered 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., starting February 3. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-
the more compelling. inducements for Spanish citizenship to Classes are held on The Larry Manatee.
Jewish genetic diseases are easily Crypto-Jews who could prove Jewish
diagnosed. The top five Ashkenazic ancestry back to before the Expulsion
genetic diseases include Gaucher Dis- from Spain in 1492. In recent years, Friendly Visitors
“These we honor” for isolated seniors

Your Tributes This program is Sponsored by phone. They are matched with clients
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
FCS of the Suncoast’s Jewish
Healing Program provides Friend-
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN SKIP (Send a Kid Jly Visitors to visit individuals in the according to need, interests and loca-
tion. They receive training and provide
IN MEMORY OF to Israel Program) community who are isolated and lack brief accounts of their visits. Their role
Anshel Berkowitz IN HONOR OF socialization. The relationships that are is not intended to provide respite for a
Craig Berkowitz Sarah Albert fostered often bloom into longstand- caregiver.
If you know someone you think
ing friendships. The Friendly Visitor
BOB MALKIN YOUNG Betty Stone appreciates interacting with someone could benefit from having a Friendly
Lois Auerbach
AMBASSADORS FUND Betty Stone who would otherwise not have com- Visitor, please contact Community
Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz at
pany, while the client feels valued and
IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF grateful to experience meaningful con- 941.366.2224 x166. The JFCS Jew-
Debbie & Tom Shapiro Bonnie Coker versation. ish Healing Program is sponsored by
Rebecca & Rich Bergman Patti & David Wertheimer Friendly Visitors typically visit The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-
Elizabeth Schreiber each week but can also be in touch by Manatee.
Patti & David Wertheimer
Judy Vigder
Patti & David Wertheimer
NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in
The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum
$10 contribution per listing. You can send
Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org.

For more information, please call 941.552.6304.

Helping you live the life

you want, the way you want. JFCS Jewish Healing Program Director Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz recently met with
Venice area Friendly Visitors Lillian Gorfain, Chaya Perera and Debbie Sternlicht

Make someone

Make someone

feel special
feel special

on their birthday

thday
on their bir

by making a donation
by making a donation

in their name.
in their name.

• Personal Care

• Daily Living Assistance

• Light Housekeeping

• Skilled Nursing

• Dementia Specialists

• Respite Care and Family Relief

• Inpatient Hospital Sitters

• And Much More …

Or visit jfedsrq.org/tribute
Call Paula at
Call Paula at Or visit jfed srq.org/ trib ute
to donate
9 4 1.55 2.6 304 to d onate
941.552.6304