Summertime Chi has finally arrived. It’s gorgeous outside, there are more street festivals this weekend than I know what to do with, and I have a laundry list of goodies I can’t wait to get from the Lincoln Park Green City Market. I have so much to think about today (mostly what rooftop I’m going to go sit at after work and enjoy this weather from), why do I need to worry about tomorrow?

One in four— that’s why. One in four is why I need to think about tomorrow, why I need to take steps today to prepare for life 5 to 10 years from now, and why you should be doing the same thing.

One in four Jews is a carrier for one of 19 life-altering Jewish genetic disorders. Being a carrier means that although you might be completely healthy with no family history of disease, your future children may be at risk, and the only way to find out is to get screened. A simple saliva sample can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions for your future, and it is never too soon to plan for tomorrow, no matter how far away it may seem.

The Center for Jewish Genetics is leading the nation when it comes to carrier screening. The Center is the first community screening program that is exclusively using an advanced DNA sequencing test that allows you to be screened from the convenience and privacy of your own home, with just a small saliva sample. A short live-webinar provides you with the education and genetic counseling you need to understand carrier screening, what your results could mean, what your future options for a healthy family if you are found to a carrier, and can answer any other questions you may have. Then, before you know it, a saliva kit arrives at your front door. One short webinar, one small saliva sample, and you can arm yourself with potentially life-saving information. Seems like a no-brainer, right?

So today, tomorrow, whenever you’re sitting outside soaking up the summer weather enjoying the moment, take a minute to stop and think about tomorrow, because it’s going to be here before you know it.

To register for one of the Center’s upcoming programs please visit www.jewishgenetics.org/register. For more information please contact Alyssa Cohen at alyssacohen@juf.org or (312)357-4946.

Shopaholics, rejoice! In case you haven’t heard, Amazon recently launched an awesome charity initiative that will totally justify all those unnecessary late-night impulse buys. Just select your charity of choice (like, say, JUF) at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of all qualified online purchases to your designated beneficiary.  

To get you started, here’s a handy list of completely ridiculous Jewish stuff for sale on everyone’s favorite online retailer! Just tryto resist buying a “Midrash Manicure” kit…

1. Haikus for Jews - $10.32

From the product description: “These chai-kus (so called because of their high chutzpah content) are certain to amuse.”

2. Jewish Star Latke Cut-Out - $12.99

Be the star of your Chanukah party with the most Instagram-worthy latkes in town.

3. Oy Vey Sticky Notes - $5.73

For to-do lists that will really make you kvetch.

4. Fiddler on the Roof “Do You Love Me” Karaoke Track - $0.99

It’ll take your anniversary party from a nine to a ten.

5. Moses Ten Commandments Bobblehead Doll - $19.95

This biblical collectible instantly disapproves of any golden calf! 

6. Jewish Silly Bandz (24) - $6.50

Show your Jewish spirit like it’s 2009 all over again! 

7. Kosher Kurls leave-in “schmear” aka conditioner - $35

The bottle says it all “Oy Vey! Believe me, if you’re Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Chassidic, Sephardic, Black or White, you’ll ‘kvell’ for this product that has no ‘chazerai’ (junk) and leaves your hair looking and feeling like a ‘Mensch!’ What a Shayna Punim!”

8. “Midrash Manicures” - $19.99

“Torah at your fingertips!” 

9. Related: “Hassid” Black Nail Polish - $7

Or—umm—if you prefer a slightly more traditional look … 

10. Bamba iPhone Case - $10.99

Show your post-Birthright Israel longing for Israeli snack foods. 

11. Chanukah-themed Teapot - $15.99

Because, you know, tea is a really critical part of any Chanukah celebration. 

12. “Kosher” dog bone plush toy - $7.74

Funny, I can’t seem to find the hechsher anywhere … 

13. Baby Kippah with STRINGS - $6.90

Am I the only one who has never seen this before? Genius.  

14. Matzah Holder That Totally Looks Like Bacon - $99

I mean, amiright? 

15. Star of David Charm Necklace … with a Dolphin - $5.97

Am I missing something? Was Flipper Jewish?

16. Guns N’ Moses T-Shirt - $11.99-12.99

Straight from Charlton Heston’s wardrobe.

17. Hand Painted Jewish Goose Egg with “Mazel Tov” Scroll - $32.99

An eggcellent gift for any Jewish occasion. 

18. Talking “Nanny” Doll - $29.95

We recommend cutting out the voice box before giving this to small children.