Proposed Circumcision Ban Highlights Israelis' Changing Views

An Israeli anti-circumcision group will take their message to the steps of the Danish embassy. 

September 14, 2020

Danish parliament is scheduled to vote on a bill that would prohibit parents from circumcising boys. It’s already illegal in Denmark to cut the genitals of minor girls for religious reasons. The goal of the bill is humanitarian in nature, designed to protect both boys and girls from the pain and harm of unnecessary genital cutting.    

I was a Soviet Jew who chose to get circumcised after making Aliyah to Israel. Now I regret it.

By YAKOV ZISSER

I was born in Siberia, Russia, in 1957. My parents and grandparents were originally Latvian Jews. As an independent country, Latvia had a small Jewish population where Jews had schools and participated in culture and politics. However the Soviets occupied Latvia in 1940. On the eve of Germany’s invasion of Latvia, in June of 1941, Stalin deported about 15,500 Latvian citizens to Siberia and other parts of Soviet Asia. My family was among this group. 

A Different Take on Brit Milah During Coronavirus

By REBECCA WALD 

Forgive me, but I am getting more than a little tired of reading the myriad “heartwarming” stories about how brit milah is carrying on despite the Covid-19 pandemic. About how loved ones far and wide now watch the cutting take place on Zoom, and how mohels are donning surgical masks. 

To counter these trite pieces and offer an entirely different view, check out my opinion piece in The Forward where I argue that the current health crisis should inspire thoughtful Jews to rethink this hurtful tradition altogether. 

Brit Milah: A Shameful and Traumatic Practice

© 2019 Getty Images

GUEST CONTRIBUTION 

As the victim of an Orthodox Jewish bris, I am sharing my story to hopefully convince others to spare their children this trauma. 

Retrospective: Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D.

Robert S. (Zalman Shaul) Mendelsohn, M.D. (1926-1988) was a practicing American pediatrician who authored several bestselling books on healthcare, appeared on TV and radio, and wrote a syndicated medical advice column. 

Rabbi Opposed Circumcision, Promoted Brit Shalom

Rabbi Nathan (Natan) Segal, one of the first American rabbis known to conduct naming ceremonies without circumcision for Jewish male infants, died on July 23, 2019, surrounded by family. He was a staunch opponent of brit milah and wrote passionately against the practice. 

Rabbi Natan Segal

Born in Chicago in 1949, Segal was an ordained rabbi and cantor, as well as an artist, musician, and naturopathic healer. His interests were wide-ranging, from ancient history and biblical studies to anthropology, science, and technology. A Renaissance man, he could play all western orchestral instruments as well as Indian classical ones. 

Talmudic Scholar Offers Context, Teaching on Jews Opting Out of Brit Milah

By REBECCA WALD

Earlier this week, Rabbi Tzvee Zahavy penned a fascinating and important piece on the trend of Jews forgoing circumcision for their sons. 

Rabbi Tzvee Zahavy, Ph.D. 

“I observe that it is trendy now in some progressive communities in Israel not to circumcise baby boys,” Zahavy writes, noting he has “a devout Jewish friend who was terribly upset when her son in Israel did not circumcise her new grandson last year.” 

Will We Be Welcome?

A must-see video for Jewish parents wondering if — and how — their non-circumcising family will be accepted in Jewish congregational life. 

Why Are Some Rabbis Secretly Choosing Not to Circumcise Their Sons?

When circumcision critic Lisa Braver Moss learned that half the boys attending her synagogue preschool had not been circumcised, she was stunned. Soon after, Lisa discovered that even some rabbis were secretly choosing to leave their boys intact. In this short but groundbreaking new video, Lisa Braver Moss uncovers the “don’t ask/don’t tell” policies that are keeping the exploding Jewish movement to reject circumcision shrouded in secrecy.

Simply Uncut: The Intersection Between Today’s Simple Living and Pro-Intact Movements

By REBECCA WALD

I recently watched “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.” Available on Netflix, the film profiles Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus —two great guys whose podcasts I’ve been enjoying for some time. They call themselves The Minimalists and put a modern spin on the age-old concept of doing more with less.

Book for Jewish Families Skipping Circumcision Continues to Gain Traction

It's hard to believe that this May marks the two-year anniversary of the official release of "Celebrating Brit Shalom," a book of alternative bris ceremonies for Jewish families who have decided not to circumcise their newborn sons. 

Video: Groundbreaking Brit Shalom Talk at Temple Sinai in Oakland CA

Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin's remarks may be the first of their kind, publicly acknowledging the importance of making Jewish families feel welcome in congregational life when they have made a different choice about circumcision. The rabbi's remarks precede a talk given by Lisa Braver Moss at her synagogue, Temple Sinai, in Oakland California. 

Jewish Circumcision a Symptom of Larger Problems

By ROSS GLAZIER

I believe that we can complain about circumcision until we all pass out (or on) but until we connect circumcision to much larger issues that are poisoning our world we will be unable to end it.

I think that rigid religious doctrine and rigid religious ritual are both traps. Rigid religious doctrine is a trap because no doctrine or sacred text can ever contain everything that can be known or discovered. Medieval Catholic doctrine could compel Copernicus to publish posthumously and even silence Galileo, but no religious doctrine can change the facts that the Earth orbits the Sun and that Jupiter has moons.

A Circumcision Activist Is Born

By NICOLE KATZ-LAHEY

I've always been an extremely passionate person. When I was a kid my passions were sports and animals. If I did something, I did it with every inch of my being. I'm now a mother of three and, true to my personality, I have to be the best mother I have it in me to be.

When I was pregnant for the first time, my mom asked me if it was a boy can we plan a bris. I replied with "No" but that we could just do the baby naming part at home. She was a little concerned and asked if we would circumcise him. I let her know that I wanted it done in a hospital. I didn't want to be stressed out or upset on the day that I was to be celebrating my child. 

Jewish Doula Educates on Normalcy of Foreskin

By LO MARET

I grew up in a secular Jewish family. Like many Jewish families where religion is not the focus, we still observed some traditions, like the High Holidays. However, as a young girl, I began questioning all forms of organized religion and this is perhaps the first step I took in choosing to leave my son intact.

Upcoming Temple Sinai Event for Celebrating Brit Shalom

The oldest Jewish congregation in the East San Francisco Bay region, founded in 1875, will host a groundbreaking discussion surrounding the choice to skip circumcision by Jewishly observant families. The Reform synagogue, Temple Sinai of Oakland California, has a long history of welcoming Jews of all stripes. They recently added language to their website indicating the Temple offers naming ceremonies for non-circumcising Jewish families. 

"Carmen Sandiego" Creative Muses About His Long-Lost Foreskin: An Interview With Sean Altman

Sean Altman uses satire and melody to spread the message that people of all         backgrounds should consider foregoing circumcision for their newborn sons.

By REBECCA WALD

“Moishe Pipik”—directly translated from the Yiddish this phrase means “Moses Bellybutton.” It’s an illusive, archaic, Jewish expression that might be used to describe a prankster, one who pushes the boundaries of acceptable mischief. Sean Altman is a modern-day Moishe Pipik, a contrasting player of wisdom (Moses) and humor (bellybutton), with a voice as rich, silky and complex as a Jewish grandma’s chicken soup broth.

Genital Integrity Awareness Week Speaker Discusses Intersex and Circumcision

Genital Integrity Awareness Week, or GIAW, has been celebrated annually during the last week of March since 1992. During the week, gatherings are held in cities and towns across the United States, with the largest gathering in Washington, D.C. There is a large demonstration/march on the West Lawn of the Capitol—as well as many informal get togethers with those in the genital integrity movement. During one such get together at GIAW 2014, Sandy Roman shares his thoughts about the circumcision issue (video courtesy of Circumcision Resources).  

Jewish Parents with Intact Children

When Brian and Sarah Kirkell saw a protest outside the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) Conference in Washington DC they shared their story of how they came to protect their son's genital integrity, and educate their daughter about genital autonomy too.

All Penises Welcome! Celebrating Brit Shalom Brings Its Message of Inclusion to Union for Reform Judaism

This adorable miniature diorama showing a brit shalom ceremony, crafted by Lisa Braver Moss, was front and center at our booth during the Union for Reform Judaism's Biennial. It served as a perfect icebreaker to get the conversation going.

By REBECCA WALD

Being so involved in the circumcision issue, it’s easy for me to forget that many are still unaware of the anatomical facts, or even the controversies surrounding the practice. This was evident during my recent trip to the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial, held this year in Orlando, Florida. “Why would any parent want to opt out?” “Hasn’t it been proven healthier?” These were among the questions that Lisa Braver Moss and I encountered during the five-day event.