Faq

About The Dor Yeshorim Program

What is Dor Yeshorim?

Dor Yeshorim is an organization committed to preventing and eliminating Jewish genetic diseases. We screen an astounding 46,000 young adults across 11 countries annually and offer guidance and future prevention measures to families whose children are affected with genetic disease. Dor Yeshorim stands at the forefront of genetic research and is responsible for the identification of numerous genetic mutations.

How does the dor yeshorim program work?

During mass/school screening events (or private appointments) blood is drawn for testing and each participant receives a nine- digit Identification number. Blood samples are sent for intensive DNA analysis and results entered into a centralized database. Individuals seeking a partner in marriage have unlimited, 24 hour access to the Dor Yeshorim automated hotline where they are asked to enter both parties’ ID number and day and month of birth. Within a few business hours a trained specialist returns the call and informs both parties whether or not they are compatible. Couples found to be incompatible are offered guidance and assistance.

What diseases does dor yeshorim screen for?

For a list and description of the diseases we currently screen for click here.

Why does dor yeshorim test for fewer diseases than other genetic screening services?

Dor Yeshorim tests for incurable, recessive diseases, prevalent in the Jewish population that have proven to be fatal and/or seriously debilitating. It is important to understand that when considering diseases for inclusion on the testing panel, contrary to what other testing centers may have you believe, more is less. While there are hundreds of possible genetic diseases, global scientific experts recommend testing for only a handful of them. It is those diseases and select others as determined by our years of research as well as our medical advisory board, which are included on the Dor Yeshorim testing panels. We follow the global industry standard of only testing for genetic diseases once a reliable result can be ascertained, and the manifestations of the actual diseases are clear-cut. In fact, Dor Yeshorim utilizes over three decades of experience serving the Jewish community and our extensive database to help develop the standard. Each year, we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on research, in an effort to expand the testing panels to include reliable testing for additional diseases. Diseases are added to the Dor Yeshorim panels in conjunction with the recommendations of the ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics) the Israeli Health Ministry, and our Medical Advisory Board.

For more information about our testing criteria policy please click here

Why is the Dor Yeshorim program confidential? Why can’t I know my carrier status?

Even the savviest consumer is daunted when faced with the knowledge that they are a carrier of a harmful genetic disease. Knowing one’s carrier status has proven to cause an unnecessary emotional burden as well as the stigmatization of families, jeopardizing future marriage matches. The disclosure of this information presents significant negative emotional and logistical ramifications. Dor Yeshorim was established under the guidance of rabbinical authorities from across the Jewish spectrum who recognized this moral dilemma and therefore established that carrier status remain strictly confidential.

For more information about our confidential policy please click here.

What is a carrier?

The term carrier refers to an individual whose DNA contains a mutated gene. Everyone is a carrier of at least a few of the widely varied genetic diseases. It is important to know that being a carrier does not affect an individual’s health in any way. It is only the marriage between two individuals with mutations of the same disease that can result in offspring that will manifest the disease.

Do both parties need to be screened by Dor Yeshorim?

Yes. Dor Yeshorim is a compatibility program. In order to assess if both parties are compatible both parties must be screened by Dor Yeshorim.

How can I make a donation to support the lifesaving work of Dor Yeshorim?

As a charitable non-profit organization, Dor Yeshorim depends on the generosity of caring individuals from around the globe to help subsidize the astronomical costs of ongoing research, screening, genetic guidance and assistance for family who have children affected with genetic diseases. Your donation today can ensure tomorrow’s healthy generations.

To make your donation today click here.

Getting Tested

Where can I get tested?

Dor Yeshorim arranges mass screenings at over 400 schools and Yeshivos in 11 countries worldwide, providing a simple way to ensure every boy and girl has the opportunity to be tested before he or she reaches marriageable age. We also have representatives in most populated Jewish cities around the world for individual screening. To find the screening site closest to you click here.

What is if there is no testing location in my city?

Please contact us at 718-384-6060 or at info@doryeshorim.org and our dedicated representatives will gladly assist you.

How long does it take for results to be ready?

Dor Yeshorim offers four testing results options:
1. School and mass screenings: 3-4 months
2. Upgrade the results timing of school and mass screening to priority status: 3 weeks.
Upgrade must be requested at the time of the test.
3. Regular priority tests conducted privately at one of our representatives: 3 weeks.
4. Emergency testing: Available exclusively in Brooklyn, New York, by appointment only.

How much does the Dor Yeshorim test cost?

DNA analysis conducted by Dor Yeshorim can cost thousands of dollars. However, in order to ensure that everyone within the community can afford pre-marital genetic testing our fee is drastically less than actual cost. Dor Yeshorim’s genetic testing, groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technology and modern laboratories are all subsidized by donors around the globe who share our passion for the health and wellbeing of future generations.

Within the US:
Regular test: $400
School/mass screening: $275
Emergency test: for information about the emergency, please contact our office at 718-384-6060 and press 0 for an operator.

Hearing loss panel: $100.
If it is requested at the time of testing, the price is $50.

Outside the US:
Please contact our local representative for rates.

When is Dor Yeshorim conducting testing In my child’s school or yeshiva?

Parents are notified a few weeks prior to all school screening events. For more information, please contact our office and a representative will gladly assist you.

Dor Yeshorim has not conducted testing in my child’s school in the past. How can I arrange for the school to participate in your testing process?

Dor Yeshorim welcomes all inquiries regarding arranging school screening. Please feel free to call our office and our representatives will gladly assist you.

Why does Dor Yeshorim test with blood as opposed to saliva?

Dor Yeshorim relies on complex DNA analyses. DNA extracted from blood is much more potent and reliable than DNA extracted from saliva. Blood gives us the ability to ensure that your results are accurate and conclusive.

The hearing loss panel

Why is Dor Yeshorim focusing on hearing loss?

We have seen a steady and concerning increase in families suffering from unexplained hearing loss. As the number of families across all ancestries continued to grow, it became exceedingly clear that there was a vital need for immediate and extensive research. There are currently almost one thousand families experiencing hearing loss and in need of Dor Yeshorim’s ongoing research expertise.

What has Dor Yeshorim’s research uncovered?

Using cutting-edge genetic technology and working with laboratories and research groups across the globe – including our top-of-the-line R&D lab – with Hashem’s help, we successfully identified over 20 genes and more than 60 genetic mutations causing genetic hearing loss. Our research continues, but we cannot waste any time bringing this new panel to the public.

I have no family history of hearing loss. Is this panel still for me?

Absolutely. The genes that cause hearing loss are very common. In fact, most of the families currently experiencing hearing loss have no prior history. Testing for hearing loss is no different than testing for any other genetic disease. Anyone can be a carrier, and the chances of being a carrier for hearing loss are actually higher than many other genetic diseases.

What steps do I take if I DO have a family history of hearing loss?

Please call our office with more information so we can ensure that you are tested for the exact genetic mutation in your family. (A list of the genes and mutations can be viewed HERE). If the genetic cause has not yet been identified or confirmed, Dor Yeshorim’s extensive research department can provide cost-free answers and guidance. Please do not hesitate to reach out for these and all other unidentified/unexplained serious symptoms or issues that are potentially genetic in nature.

Is the panel a guarantee against hearing loss?

The cause for hearing loss is not always genetic; therefore, the panel does not provide a full guarantee. It is, however, a comprehensive test that will, with Hashem’s help, prevent most cases of recessive, genetically inherited hearing loss.