You can get genetic testing done at two NYC events this month—and Manischewitz is bringing the food

In honor of Cancer Prevention Month, jscreen, the national nonprofit dedicated to proactive genetic health screening, is bringing its mission directly to the New York Jewish community with two accessible, community-driven genetic testing events, in partnership with Manischewitz and author and health advocate Gila Pfeffer.

The goal is simple but powerful: make genetic screening feel less intimidating, more communal and genuinely doable, whether you’re thinking about cancer prevention, future family planning or just trying to be more informed about your own health.

The first event takes place on February 8 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, where jscreen will be part of the JCC’s Fitness Open House. Throughout the day, attendees will be able to pick up at-home genetic testing kits, speak with professionals and learn how genetic information can play a critical role in early detection and long-term prevention.

The day also includes a special appearance by Pfeffer, author and founder of the “Feel It on the First” breast-health awareness campaign. Pfeffer, who has become a leading voice in conversations around early detection and women’s health, will be on site to talk candidly about why knowing your genetic risk matters and how that knowledge can save lives.

And because this is a Jewish community event, Manischewitz will be there too, serving food from its truck and helping turn what could feel like a clinical appointment into something warmer, more familiar and far less intimidating.

Depending on the event, participants will have access to two major types of screening:

• Hereditary cancer testing, which looks for genetic mutations associated with cancers such as breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer—information that can lead to earlier monitoring and preventative care.

• Reproductive carrier screening, which tests for hundreds of genetic conditions, including those that are more common among people of Jewish ancestry. This screening is especially relevant for individuals and couples thinking about having children, but valuable well beyond that stage of life.

There’s an $18 upfront fee per test and lab costs are typically billed to insurance, meaning many participants pay little or nothing beyond that initial amount.

If you can’t make it to the JCC, there’s a second opportunity just days later. On February 11, jscreen and Manischewitz will host another screening event at Yeshiva University, making it easier for students and community members alike to take advantage of the program.