By Sheri Jacobs

We are Jews living in the midst of a pandemic. The good news is, we are accustomed to challenges and adversity. From biblical times, when our ancestors experienced persecution in the Middle East because they refused to worship idols, to the present day, when the flames of antisemitism are stoked on social media, we are experienced and intimate with struggle.

The pandemic has forced us to step out of our comfort zones. What those comfort zones are is going to look different for everyone, but everyone is affected. Dating is no exception. If we thought dating as a Jew pre-pandemic was a bit challenging, this new world of social distancing makes dating seem like an obstacle course of virtual meeting apps and never-ending private messages.

But there’s always a blessing to be found in the face of hardship and our pandemic holds no exception when it comes to Jewish dating. When dating suddenly involves real risk to one’s life and the lives of their friends and mishpocha, we become more careful, more aware.

Prior to the pandemic, many of us single Jews were what I refer to as Happy Meal Dating: considering the “pretty packaging” of another potential without considering what existed below: the person’s words, actions, lifestyle, and values. Happy Meal Dating (while technically kosher;-) “tastes” wonderful, providing heaps of serotonin each time you’re around the person.

But there is a potential danger in ingesting time with the metaphorical equivalent of a Happy Meal: just as a burger and fries might feel great in the moment, going for the sheer attraction to someone can lead to a craving that never satisfies. And sometimes, given enough Happy Meals, we find ourselves sick from consuming something that wasn’t good for us.

The pandemic offers us the gift of time to challenge Happy Meal Dating. When you have to first meet virtually, you have time to better digest the other person’s qualities. No longer can you rely on the surface of things, the pretty packaging to distract you in its cocktail of hormones; you now can pay attention to how this person makes you feel when you’re on a virtual date. If there are red flags, you have the gift of literal distance to help discern them.

Sometimes, we are our own Happy Meal: we present the world with a beautiful package of ourselves—the package we want people to see; inside, we feel like a fat-filled Big Mac, laden with emotional indigestion. The pandemic is an opportunity to get real with ourselves first before we find our bashert.

So kibbutz, get to know other Jewish men and women, virtual date until the figurative cows come home (actually, they are out much more these days now that we have predominately moved indoors, but I digress;-). Enjoy the gift of time to get real with yourself, about yourself and other potential partners. Together, we can put the kibosh on Happy Meal Dating.

Jewish Dating Blog by Sheri Jacobs

Bio:

Sheri Jacobs is the author of The Friendship Diet: Clean Out Your Fridge, Get Real with Yourself, and Fill Your Life with Meaningful Relationships that Last. The book helps men and women feed themselves on a diet of fulfilling relationships. Her work is featured on The Roula and Ryan Show and LOA Today, as well as the Lunchtime Author Series with Rabbi Dan Gordon at Temple Beth Torah. Learn more at www.sheri-jacobs.com.

The post Jewish Dating Blog: The Demise of Happy Meal Dating appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Between pleasing potential candidates and keeping up with the competition, many people lose their identity, their true selves. You need to understand that wearing someone else’s mask is a recipe for failure. How long can you keep up the act? When you get back to being yourself that potential candidate will lose interest or just walk away. You will only conquer the heart of the one you love by being yourself, or more accurately, the best version of yourself. How can you do that? Well, you need to work on personal and emotional growth. The more complete you are the more successful you will be in every aspect of your life, including relationships. As a Jewish Dating Coach, I see the success this brings.

Put some effort into looking your best, head to toe. Your appearance is your first impression, and the one that people will always remember. Wouldn’t you love to have a partner that you are proud of? Not just for looks, but character, virtues, and values. It is also important to build confidence; this is one of the most attractive qualities that you can possess. Be independent, great candidates love independent people, especially those who are successful. Keep in mind that kindness, compassion and generosity are highly desired. A valuable candidate wants a partner with a warm heart, a real partner! Someone who can run a house, be a great example to their kids, someone in whom they find comfort and strength. When looking for your Bashert you should aim for more than their hand; you want to conquer their heart!

May your qualities, values, virtues and strengths be a strong foundation to a successful and long-lasting marriage!

Best of luck,

Yani Gantz

Love & Life Coach

www.4abrighteryou.com

Yani is a Jewish dating coach and relationships expert.  We hope you enjoyed her Jewish Dating coach advice, and we look forward to her next blog!

The post How to capture someone’s heart. Advice from Jewish Dating Coach appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Coronadating: No matter how much I encourage you to pick up the phone, you always text to set up your dates, text between the dates, text even once you’re dating for weeks or months.  You’re an expert at expressing emotion through emojis and gifs. One of my couples, now married, literally only spoke on the phone 3 times in 15 months of dating! (And now you know exactly how many fights they had).

You also communicate with those closest to you via Instagram and Facebook video stories, and Tik-Toks.  Facetime or other video calls are the preferred in-real-time communication after texting.

You also text me – and your friends – non-stop about who you heard is dating whom, who you see in a restaurant on what appears to be a dinner date.  Many of you assume real-life Gossip Girl (and guy) personas texting me pictures of couples you’ve “spotted” or screenshots from social media. You are professionals at having the perfect social media images.

So, maybe you were right all along.  While our parents will always find our reliance on digital communication frustrating and hard to understand, you, my younger co-millennials, have all the skills necessary to meet, date and fall in love during this crisis.  So, while I don’t know exactly how things will evolve, I know the change in how you date will work out – whether it’s weeks or months of phone and video dating – I just know it will.  You are a millenial; this is how you communicate.

CoronaDating: Will Coronavirus change who you date?

I hope that you can take advantage of the fact that during this crisis, there is no activity, no noise, and so much less distraction.  You can have a dinner video date with someone and no longer need to think about whether you and it look perfect, about spying eyes, or about being spotted and talked about.  No one will judge you for who you are with or what you are wearing or how close you are sitting or how intimate the conversation looks.

This is a time that you may give someone different than your usual type a try now because you no longer have social pressure, or because you feel the misery of isolation or simply because in times of crisis we are more desperate for the basic human need of love and companionship.  Why not text someone new? Out of sheer curiosity? Or because you will have less accountability and certainly a smaller time and financial commitment to meet someone? Because there will be no need to think about time commitments, the price of drinks or dinner, or coming up with an activity?  In the coming years, we will all read about marriages of people whose romances began over text during Coronavirus.

I encourage you to be more open minded.  We do know how long this pandemic is going to last, and time is precious.

Try it, just try it.  Just a text. Think of virtual dating during Coronavirus like the way you meet people organically.  Picture yourself talking to a graduate school classmate or professional colleague, where there is no instant judgement because there are no expectations in that setting.  You are not on a 2 hour date over drinks under pressure to make a decision of whether a second date will be worthwhile (because you are suddenly omnipotent and can fully and rightly conclude in 120 minutes or less if you can marry this person).  You are not checking off boxes or examining what the deal breakers are; you just text or talk for the sake of talking. You are not attracted to each other but who cares? You are not thinking or worrying about how you’re dressed or if you’re being flirty.  It is just pure camaraderie. In a subsequent conversation, you may find yourself laughing or smiling, realizing you share interests and are pleasantly surprised to learn you have friends in common. As you continue to get to know each other you realize you have a comfort and familiarity.  You start to feel like old friends, the kind you have known for years, the one where you can just pick up right where you left off. And that person, they actually are very cute!

Without pressure, with just texting or talking, you have a chance to get to know someone unexpected and find that you will have found someone who is perfect for you, someone you would have never otherwise considered before.  Not necessarily perfect, but perfect for you.

So Millennials, as you balance the price of giving up the independence of your Manhattan apartment for companionship for the Holidays this week, albeit your parents who will immediately treat you like children, allow #coronadating to let you look at the quest for companionship anew so that you too may finally fall asleep, exhausted and scared, smartphone still in hand, yet finally clinging to the one you love.

If you would like to reach out to Lori for additional advice, matchmaking or dating coaching please email her at info@lorisalkin.com

The post Coronadating: To The Millennial Gen appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Jewish Dating During These Times

By Jewish Dating site SawYouAtSinai’s matchmaker Yifat Schulsinger

 
The last few weeks is hitting us in areas of life we never anticipated. My husband goes to work in the hospital daily to treat patients , while I am at home with the kids.  It is a time of uncertainty as we are all separated and worried about every aspect of our lives.  Yet, I plea-  Please do not stop your search for a life partner and family.  Historically, as Jews,  we have  survived trying times of wars and plagues and personal loses and found our life partners out of the most trying circumstances.  May we be motivated to continue, with more “kavana” now.  Jewish dating is so important.
 
As we adjust to lives in self isolation / quarantine – we have an opportunity to actively pursue dating, but in a completely distinct way than we have been accustomed.  It may be new for us, however, Long distance Jewish

Jewish Dating during Coronavirus

One way to is begin by introducing yourself in email as an extension of your profile.  It is an opportunity to get the words out as you would like them.  A mix of showing who you are, sharing a little, and mixing in humor with some thoughtful reflection.  However, this should not be your only communication form as it is not real time in real life and can be edited.

Are you looking forward to hearing back from your match after you read a letter or note?   Do you want to write back? Share back?  Do you enjoy the style, language, content of your matches writing?  These are all signs that you “speak the same language” and relate.  This is part of building a relationship that otherwise may never developed by traditional dating because one of you would have dismissed the other before it reached this point.   So, here is a chance to start a new with a fresh perspective:
 
 

Some tips for writing- as a reader:

– Do not judge the person by the writing. It is a part of them, a part they are showing you, you still need to consider other factors.  Do not limit yourself to only writing, but this is a unique way to begin.

-As a writer:  do not begin great length essays, just as you would not monopolize a conversation in person- you are expressing yourself and also asking your match about themselves.

Some forethought is good in writing, however,  not overthink either writing or reading, it is a balance.  Letter writing has been used by all cultural historically in romantic relationships- and now it can have a come back period!
 
Another online form of communication is by SMS text- normally we do not encourage matches to use this as a primary source of communication as it can be a crutch.  Miscommunications occurs with texting often as it  uses abbreviations and is is generally quickly sent in a more casual attitude.  It does have a place though- it is good for short introductions,  scheduling times to talk, and at times it is good for sharing, just do not use it as your primary  “talking”.
 
Ready for phone calls?  There are So many options- the traditional call is used hearing and listening to your match but not seeing them.  This can take out the extra unease of how you look, your surroundings, and allow you to  concentrate on one another. As you dial the number- Smile before speaking on your first hello- it will be felt by the other side and help break the ice.

Try to find a time that you have little distractions, Have privacy if possible, and  refrain from scrolling on your cell phone while you are on the phone  with your mini date!  Your focus is on your match and being distracted is also sensed by the other side and you will miss out on really giving your potential match a full chance to get to know one another.

If you find you are talking long periods and look forward to speaking again, it is a sign it  this as it is going well!
 
Long distance WhatsApp chat are also a combination of email writing and texts chats without the long distance charges or international charges.  Use the Same guidelines -welcome the communication,  but it should not be your only contact form.
 
The ultimate online communication- FaceTime, ZOOM, or other face to face talks-after all that are  ready to see one another? Please prepare just as you would for a real date your first time- ladies – hair, makeup, dress up are all important but not as stressful as a real in person date.  This is the first impression and showing you care makes a difference.   Even actors ,  politicians, and  any one greeting people are prepared before a meeting by appearance; they do not go out without getting dressed up for the occasion.  We know this can feel personal- as if photos and appearance is the reason for interest- but remember the interest was already there.  That is how you got to this stage, and now this is another level.
 
Brush or comb your hair, check your collar, check yourself in the mirror.  Clean and ready, show you care as well.  Attraction goes both ways as does self care.  Both of men and women look at what the camera sees next to you and beside you- clear the area, have a pleasant backdrop and if possible -privacy to speak.  If you already communicated by writing you can start a conversation leading off a comment or something you liked- something positive that interests you.

You will have plenty of time to discuss real issues of life goals, ideals, family history, your haskafa/ Jewish identify,  but start the conversation with a positive to encourage one another.  Facetime now counts as dating-it is time getting to know one another, and seeing if you want to continue to the next step.
 
At this time we do not know if this situation will be long weeks or months or until next winter- as Jews we have historically gone through traumatic times.   Traumatic periods have compelled couples to recognize Jewish marriage and family as vital in moving forward.  We are sharing this difficult time together.  One of the conflicts in modern dating/ shidduchim is singles easily dismissing potential matches and not giving it a chance to see is it bershert .

Right now, as we are home bound, we have sincere time to reflect and concentrate on each match in a new light.  May something good come from this difficult time!
 
May you be able to meet in person those matches you have build a virtual relationship with.  Right now distance does not matter, and maybe not having that as consideration will allow us to be more open to matches.  If you do find it was not a match, its okay! You spend the time connecting with someone isolation and are ready to move forward to continue finding your soulmate!
 
On a personal note, I met my husband online  (pre SawYouAtsinai) when online was just beginning to be accepted as a legitimate way to meet.  I will tell you that emailing was our way of communicating.    We shared a great deal, and build the beginning of our relationship writing prior to meeting in person.  I cherish those times and it is special to read back.
 
By the time my husband and I  met in person the build up of meeting was great- and let me tell you the very beginning of that first person- to—person date felt awkward!  That was unexpected.  I had to remind myself this was the same person I had been talking to…and sure enough, by the end that day,  I knew- this is meant to be.  But I did not know when I sat down as I expected it to be natural immediately!  Do not predetermine or expect you will know right away- maybe you will, but give it a chance to develop.  The silver lining of progressing in a relationship online or by writing or calls is  opportunity for someone who may be an introvert or shy about dating to begin from the comfort of home.  Maybe it is an opportunity to share with someone you thought you would never date, just as I was a divorcée with kids,  and my husband had never been married.  Who would have thought we would match or accept our situations irony? Our relationships developed against odds, and that is why I believe you truly never know and please be open to opportunities even if they feel like a long shot.
 
My personal experiences with online dating  continues:, my own daughter met her chasson less than a year ago on SawYouAtSinai!  We are  Two generations, in  two completely different places in life, two different orientations religiously, and we both shared in this experience.
 
While My relationship with my husband started with technology, my daughter and son-in-law had different dating rules/expectations, which did not encourage online chats.  Their teachings  guided them to meet in person.. first and foremost.  Only after they dated exclusively did they communicate online on their own.  Their experience was the opposite of what we are suggesting during the quarantines.  We should adjust to the present time.  If you wait for the right time and right person- you will keep waiting.  In both scenarios, we were both actively engaged in making it work regardless of personal difficult times.
 
May the unfortunate times motivate us to truly challenge ourselves -to  Not hold back and to give each mutual match a chance in the fittingly called SawYouAtSinai site during this Pesach.

May we get through this time safely and with meaning.  May we work toward finding our match now no matter the obstacles and continue our next generations not alone.

The post Jewish Dating During These Times appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

In our new environment, we will need to try new approaches, even if we are slightly uncomfortable or skeptical that all of these new approaches will work.  Here are some additional tips, from SawYouAtSinai matchmaker and dating coach Lori Salkin on how to make your phone and video dating experiences as successful as possible.

Lori’s Social Distance Dating Tips:

1. Establish whether the first phone call is a phone date or a call to set up a phone or video date.  You are likely used to first phone calls being just a few minutes to get to the ask for the date, make sure you are both on the same page as to whether you should settle in for a long chat, or if this is just the pre phone date call.

2. Prepare for a video date as you would a normal date.  You still need to dress appropriately.  Even though current style trends may be pajamas all day, that is definitely not first video date attire.

3. Set up your video date space, and check how it looks on video.  Make sure the lighting is good, no random lights blurring out part of your head or shadows preventing the person from seeing you.  Make sure the background is appropriate for a date.  Try not to sit on your bed in your bedroom.

4. Break the ice.  At the beginning of your call, acknowledge how funny and different this is and that you’ve never done this before.  Lighten the tone and share a laugh together about the fact that no one expected that would be dating over the phone and video when you might only be a mile or so apart.

5. Do not talk about Coronovirus or how annoying this all is, the entire time.

6. Go out of your comfort zone.  You have to put in a lot more energy and effort if you’re not a phone person, not a fan of video calls or someone who likes to text.  But after the first call, it will get easier and more comfortable, especially if you click with the person you are phone dating.

7. Be patient.  While girls generally wait for the guy to make the first move in initiating a call or text, social distance dating is unchartered territory for everyone and even the most chivalristic guy may be thrown off in what the next move is and whose turn it is.  Guys also always tell me they like it when the girl takes some initiative and shows that she is interested too.

8. Grade on a Curve.  I don’t think there is a single person on the planet who can say they are truly unaffected by what is going on all around us.  Neither you nor the person you are dating are immune to stress from our new normal, added to the regular pressures of dating and now extra stress in social distance dating.

9. Social distance dating works!  We all know at least one couple who dated long distance and has a Disney Happily Ever After.

If you would like to reach out to Lori for additional advice, please email her at info@lorisalkin.com.  If you have thoughts or ideas that you would like to share with the SYAS team, please feel free to write into support@sawyouatsinai.com.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Marc Goldmann and the SYAS Team

The post Jewish Dating During Coronavirus: Phone & Video Dating Tips appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Coronavirus Jewish dating behavior needs to adapt

Coronavirus Jewish Dating concerns: How do we date in the new world order?

Due to concerns of Coronavirus Jewish Dating behavior is changing.  We are living in a strange new world where social distancing is the norm and isolation is encouraged.  There are methods that we can encourage, however, that will keep you connected and allow your Jewish dating life to continue.  It may even be simpler and more fun!

Coronavirus Jewish Dating Tips: “Screen in Fifteen” is the new Jewish dating option which we’d currently suggest.  If you accept a match, and it becomes “mutual,” it may not be best to meet in person these days.  Why not arrange a 15 minute video chat and call it a date?

Here are some pointers from our team:

• Arrange a Video Chat: Text or have a brief call to arrange the video chat.  Use your preferred method: Skype, Facetime, Hangout, Zoom etc.  You just have to agree ????
• Use a laptop (not cell) and check out the angle (you don’t want someone peering up at your chin)
• Test out your preferred dating method in advance: Make sure you have a strong internet connection and sound quality if appropriate; there are always glitches, even in 2020.
• Ensure good lighting: If possible, use natural light from a window. If using light from your home, then make sure it is not too dark or too strong.  In either case, make sure you are not in a halo or shadow. Light in front of you at a 45 degree angle is probably best, but test it out! It makes a difference
• Be prepared: Have a story or topic that you can discuss if there is a lull. You won’t have your surroundings to make small talk.
• End “your screening” in 15 minutes: Keep the first conversation brief and feel free to let your matchmaker or date know if you want to continue.

For more tips, check out https://www.aish.com/d/w/7-Tips-for-a-Successful-First-Skype-Date.html or click here for long-distance dating guide.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact our support at support@sawyouatsinai.com.

Warmly,

The SawYouAtSinai Team

Jewish Matchmaking service for you!

Special thank you to the YUConnects Team for putting together these points

The post Coronavirus Jewish Dating Advice: How to date safely appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Shortly after I joined SawYouAtSinai.com. I was matched with my future husband. I remember my first date, we talked for hours. Our intentions were equal, and we started dating right away. There were no games, no tricks, and the relationship ran very smoothly. Shortly after we got engaged, and I am now married to a wonderful man and I am a mother to a beautiful baby. I wish I had found him earlier but we both realize that Hashem was shaping and refining us to be perfect for one another. The wait was definitely worth it for me!

By Yani Gantz, a dating and relationships expert, and the Founder and CEO of www.yourlifeadviser.com

The post Jewish Dating: Was it worth it to wait for my soulmate? appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Following your gut feeling is best. Why waste your time with a commitment phobic? The longer you stay, the more involve you get, the harder it is to break away.

By Yani Gantz, a Jewish dating and relationships expert, and the Founder and CEO of  www.yourlifeadviser.com.

We hope you enjoyed this Jewish Dating blog post!

The post Jewish Dating: Commitment Phobia appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

A conversation with SawYouAtSinai Matchmaker and Jewish Dating Coach Lori Salkin

@LoriSalkin:  Hey, can you talk?  What do I do… I went on a few dates with someone recently who is so nice and kind and caring and checks off nearly all my boxes…I really feel like a bad person saying this next part, but the wow factor is missing…???? they’re really objectively good looking (gorgeous eyes btw) and they’re really a nice person, I just don’t feel it…there’s no spark…sigh…I don’t want to settle.

@LookingForTheOne: Hey, thanks for reaching out.  This is probably one of the most common questions I get as a Matchmaker and Dating Coach.

Rest assured, this is normal.  Everyone says this to me. It is not settling to give a chance or another chance.

Chemistry can take time.  When you go on a first date it’s just that; you two are strangers. And you are also still strangers on the 2nd date and 3rd date and 4th date.  You don’t need to make a decision so early on whether or not this is “the one.”

Take your time – there is no rush.  Don’t worry about your parents calling you saying, “so…are you dating anyone…,” or married friends telling you you’re being too picky.  Try to ignore the pressure we put on ourselves living in a modern orthodox family centric community with its emphasis on marriage at a societally absurd young age, pressuring you to figure out if the person you are dating is the person you are going to marry asap.  If you are enjoying the time you are spending together, then go on ONE more date, and if that goes well, go on ONE more date after that. Take it ONE date at a time. Chemistry can develop on the first date, the 3rd, the 3rd month, or beyond. If each date builds on the one before that and you know that you are even 1% more connected to the person you are dating than that previous date, it is worth going out again.  Think about your closest friends. Did you become BFFs on your first encounter? Did you start to trust and lean on each other immediately. For most people, the answer is no. Close friendships take a long time to develop and dating is no different. While dating, you are first developing a friendship and as that friendship and connection grows and develops, the chemistry does too. Yes, there are definitely people around you who look like they have an instant chemistry with the person they are dating.  And I am sure you are wondering, why does their relationship come so naturally while I have to work so hard at mine? Well, all relationships are different and have parts that come more easily, and parts that require more effort.

With that said, for all those cases in which chemistry does develop, there are just as many when it does not.  It IS settling to just marry someone you do not have chemistry with. When you get to a point in which you know you have given it enough time, and no matter how much more time you could spend, nothing else will develop, you are definitely done.  When things are not growing or developing, then it is time to end things.

About Lori:

Lori is a relationship expert and matchmaker who has volunteered as a senior matchmaker for www.SawYouAtSinai.com and www.YUConnects.com for over 10 years.  Lori loves introducing couples and supporting, guiding and counseling them as a dating coach.  She makes herself available day and night to field questions and share advice on anything and everything, spanning from texting etiquette to proposal planning, and everything in between.

Lori has been consulted by and featured in the NY Post,  The New York Times Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Glamour, MSN, Bustle, Women’s Health, Philly.com, Brides, Huffington Post, AskMen and more (http://lorisalkin.com/press/).  Lori has also consulted for Fortune 500 companies on Human Resources issues and has served as Scholar in Residence in Synagogues and Universities nationwide.

In addition to matchmaking, professionally, Lori was elected to public office in Massachusetts in 2009 and previously worked for MSNBC in New York City and NBC News in Boston.

Lori graduated from Boston University in 2004 with a Bachelors of Arts in Music and earned her M.B.A. in Finance and Management from Fordham University in 2008 and Masters Certificate at the Juilliard School in Dalcroze Pedagogy and Piano.

Lori currently serves on the Board of Directors at Kohelet Yeshiva and the Union Fire Association, is a member of the CHOP Foundation of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and was recently named as an ambassador to JScreen.

Lori is married with 4 kids.

The post Jewish Dating: Advice about ‘Chemistry’ appeared first on Orthodox Jewish Dating And Matchmaking At Saw You At Sinai.

Here are the facts and myths regarding Genetic testing, and how important it is to be aware of when in the Jewish Dating Process

By Hillary Kener

• Carriers are usually healthy and don’t have symptoms. Being a carrier of a recessive genetic disease doesn’t mean that you have it, but are at risk to pass it on to your children if your partner is also a carrier. The only way to know if you’re a carrier is to get tested, or to have an affected child.
• 80% of babies born with a devastating genetic disease have no family history of that disease. This makes carrier screening important for everyone not just those that are part of the Jewish Dating process.
• There are many Jewish genetic diseases, not just Tay-Sachs. With advances in technology, screening is now available to identify carriers for many diseases that occur with increased frequency in the Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and Sephardic communities. Examples include Familial Dysautonomia, Inclusion Body Myopathy, and Gaucher disease.
• You’re Sephardic or Mizrahi so it doesn’t affect you- not true! There are many diseases that are common in these groups as well.
• Each pregnancy is at an INDEPENDENT risk if both partners are carriers. Everyone should be screened before they start or expand their family. Even if you have been screened, it’s important to make sure your disease panel is up-to-date before growing your family since a many diseases have been added to screening panels in the past few years.
• You CAN still have a healthy baby even if you and your partner are carriers. The great news is there are options to help carrier couples have a healthy baby. For example, through IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, a carrier couple is able to have their own biological child that is not affected by the disease.
• You can screen conveniently and affordably from home on saliva with JScreen . This national, non-profit initiative out of Emory University allows people from anywhere in the United States to access low-cost screening from the comfort of their own homes, with genetic counseling provided over the phone once the results are ready. To request a saliva kit, visit JScreen.org and it will be mailed to your home.

About JScreen and the importance within Jewish Dating

JScreen.org  is a non-profit community-based public health initiative dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases. Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine, the JScreen initiative is a collaboration among clinical geneticists, socially minded businesses and nonprofits to provide everyday people with a ready access point to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services.

JScreen.org  makes testing for Jewish genetic diseases simple — providing an easy-to-use at-home saliva test that gives couples planning for children an unprecedented understanding of their own genetic makeup and risks relating to their children’s health. If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, genetic counselors from Emory University School of Medicine will privately address their results, options and resources to help you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

We believe the combination of education, access to premier gene screening technologies and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing these devastating diseases. Please join us in turning the tide against hereditary diseases and ensuring families have the best chances for healthy babies.

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