J EWISH G ENETIC D ISEASES
Jewish genetic diseases are a group of diseases for which screening is recom-
mended in the Ashkenazi population. One in five Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier
for at least one of the current 19 preventable and life-threatening diseases. Tay-
Sachs is an inherited genetic disorder — invariably fatal — that mainly affects
Jewish infants. It is inherited from two healthy parents who both carry the gene,
and there is a one-in-four chance that a baby will develop the disease if both
parents are carriers. A simple blood test can determine whether an individual
carries the Tay-Sachs gene. All Jewish people considering having children
should arrange for Tay-Sachs testing. Late onset Tay-Sachs disease is a degener-
ative genetic disorder that causes debilitating physical and/or mental symptoms.

Gaucher Treatment Center
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Department of Metabolic Diseases
Wood Center • 3615 Civil Center Blvd., 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-590-3376 • Fax: 215-590-4297
hartj@email.chop.edu • chop.edu
Offers diagnostic testing and patient evaluation for qualified persons in
collaboration with the National Gaucher Foundation. Two-thirds of
Gaucher patients are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases
Association of the Delaware Valley
Post Office Box 441 • Jenkintown, PA 19046
215-887-0877 • Fax: 215-887-1931
info@tay-sachs.org • tay-sachs.org
Nonprofit voluntary health organization devoted to eliminating Tay-Sachs,
Canavan disease and other fatal degenerative disorders through programs of
prevention, education, research and carrier screenings.

Victor Center for the Prevention
of Jewish Genetic Diseases
Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
5501 Old York Rd., Levy 2 West • Philadelphia, PA 19141
877-401-1093 • victorcenter@einstein.edu • victorcenter.org
Provides genetic education, counseling and screening to individuals at risk of
being carriers of gene mutations for genetic diseases. Works with health care
professionals, clergy and the community offering education about the genetic
diseases affecting Ashkenazi Jews.

SERVICES FOR
NEW AMERICANS
HIAS Pennsylvania
2100 Arch St., 3rd Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-832-0900 • Fax: 215-832-0919 • hiaspa.org
A legal and humanitarian service to people of all nationalities who come to the
United States for new lives. Provides legal services to low-income immigrants
and refugees, including political asylum, representation in deportation proceed-
ings, representation to survivors of domestic violence and immigrant youth, and
assistance with immigration applications, including naturalization, family visas
and applications for replacement green cards. Provides resettlement services
assisting refugees in becoming self-sufficient. Offers advocacy for the fair
treatment and integration into American society of immigrants and refugees
JEVS Center for New Americans
2770 Red Lion Rd. • Philadelphia, PA 19114
215-728-4210 • Fax: 215-728-4227 • jevshumanservices.org
Offers time-eligible refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking free services in
the following areas: employment counseling, job development and job placement/
job search/job retention workshops; Vocational English Language Training
(VELT) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes; computer skills
classes, acculturation workshops, case management and individualized
assistance in developing and/or improving verbal language skills. Use of a
driving simulator is offered. Participants are served in Philadelphia, Bucks,
Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

70 THE GUIDE 2016/2017
New American Outreach Program
KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia
10100 Jamison Ave. • Philadelphia, PA 19116
215-698-7300, Ext. 175 • kleinlife.org
Sponsors a variety of programs for Russian-speaking Jews, including religious,
social, cultural and recreational activities. Offers activities for children, such as
Jewish Children’s Theater; Jewish history and tradition classes; ballet, ballroom and
rhythm dance classes; creative development classes for toddlers; music classes; and
swimming instruction. Programs for adults include Torah study; individual rabbini-
cal counseling; Judaica lectures and seminars; senior adult Jewish choir; Shabbat
services; yoga and aerobics classes; ballroom dancing; and a health club. Sponsor-
organized community events such as Chanukah, Purim and Israel Independence
Day celebrations, in addition to children’s concerts. Also provides traditional serv-
ices for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and other Jewish holidays.

New American Russian-Speaking Seniors Program
KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia
10100 Jamison Ave. • Philadelphia, PA 19116
215-698-7300, Ext. 155 • kleinlife.org
Geared to senior adults whose primary language is Russian. Offers kosher
lunches, computer instruction, cultural and educational programs, citizenship
preparation courses, ESL classes, Shabbat programs and entertainment.

Participants join with other Klein senior-adult participants in activities
and access to social services.

RAJE Philadelphia: Russian American Jewish Experience
Congregation Beth Solomon Community Center
198 Tomlinson Rd. • Philadelphia, PA 19116 • 215-671-1981
rabbiakiva@cbscommunitycenter.com • bscommunitycenter.com
For men and women ages 18 through 30. Offers a learning experience for those
who want to explore their Jewish heritage, meet friends, participate in Shabbat
meals and more.

CULTURAL AND
RECREATIONAL CENTERS
The Gershman Y
401 S. Brd. St. • Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-545-4400 • Fax: 267-479-0304
info@gershmanY.org • GershmanY.org
Offers cultural-arts programming, including book readings, brunches, food
tours, film, language and cooking classes. It is one of Philadelphia’s arts, culture
and community centers — the only one with an emphasis on Jewish culture.

Home to the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, the Philadelphia Jewish Sports
Hall of Fame, and the Gershman and Open Lens Galleries.

Kaiserman JCC
45 Haverford Rd. • Wynnewood, PA 19096
610-896-7770, Ext. 111 • Fax: 610-896-5808
customerservice@phillyjcc.com • phillyjcc.com
Offers a full range of fitness, cultural and educational programs for all ages.

The Conston Fitness Center includes an outdoor seasonal pool, indoor
jogging track, sauna, steamroom, spinning studio and a fully equipped fitness
center. Fitness program highlights include group fitness classes, sports
leagues, martial arts, gymnastics, swimming lessons and personal trainers on
staff. Cultural and educational programs include adult education, and family
and holiday programs, the Robert J. Wilf Preschool and Kindergarten with an
infant room, as well as a comprehensive summer camp program for children
ages 4 months through eighth grade.