May

11 2017

“The Family Gene: The Story of a Pittsfield Family’s Rare Disease"

10:45AM - 12:00PM  

This Federation event will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Contact Nancy Maurice Rogers
413-442-4360 x 15
jfb.programs@verizon.net
http://www.jewishberkshires.org

The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community presents author Joselin Linder, who will discuss her new book in
a program titled, “The Family Gene: The Story of a Pittsfield Family’s Rare Disease and Fight for Life.”

In Joselin Linder’s new book, The Family Gene (HarperCollins/Ecco), she tells the story of the medical mystery
of her father, Pittsfield native William “Billy” Linder. Looking back through the family tree – to the 1930s and Pittsfield’s first Orthodox rabbi – she discovers the answer in the form of a wayward genetic variant. Today only 14 people have ever carried this gene exclusive to her family, but Linder, a carrier, is looking to medical genetics where she believes there’s hope.

Joselin Linder is a regular contributor to the New York Post, whose work has also been featured on This American
Life, Morning Edition, and Life of the Law. She spoke at the TEDX Gowanus event in Brooklyn 2014, presenting for
the first time on the subject of her family gene and the deadly illness to which it leads. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two dogs. She shared her story in a New York Post cover story on March 6.

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.