Faq

Dor Yeshorim is an organization committed to preventing and eliminating Jewish genetic diseases. We screen an astounding 25,000 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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