About one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carry the BRCA gene – a statistic that is 10 times higher than in the population at large. For those who inherit mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk for a variety of cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic, is heightened, according to a news release.

To further educate the community, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike will host a community breakfast and conversation about cancer awareness, heredity risk and resources from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 1.

Attendees will hear from a genetic counselor about the BRCA gene and testing, as well as learn about prevention resources such as screening and support through organizations like Sharsharet, which supports families facing breast and ovarian cancer.

B’nai Jeshurun congregants will also share their experiences with cancer and caregiving..

The discussion is sponsored by the B’nai Jeshurun Chesed Committee in memory of Joel Schwarz, who died 11 years ago from pancreatic cancer. Rachel Schwarz, Chesed Committee chairperson and Joel’s former wife, organized the initiative to raise awareness in the Jewish community about the risks associated with the BRCA gene.