The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community series presents "Why is Breast Cancer an Issue for the Jewish Community?" 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Melissa K. Rosen, Director of National Outreach for Sharsheret, will discuss why the Jewish community should commit to both awareness and action, explore genetics, healthy living, community support and much more. There will be time for questions to be answered.

Sharsheret, hebrew for "chain," is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer.  Their mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.

Melissa K. Rosen, MA, Director of National Outreach, has a master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University and has been working in the non-profit sector for over 25 years. Melissa oversees Sharsheret’s outreach efforts across the country, connecting women, families, and communities to Sharsheret’s cancer support and education programs.  Herself a breast cancer survivor, Melissa is passionate about the Jewish community and cancer support and advocacy.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.