By B.J. EPSTEIN It’s a well-known phenomenon that a pregnant body is seen as a public one, and can become a war zone of sorts. People feel able to comment on any aspect of the woman’s body and behavior, and to ask questions or give advice about how to raise the forthcoming child. It’s frustrating,…
In May, a peaceful protest on behalf of the boy and his mom in front of the Court that upheld the circumcision order earlier this November. A group of concerned Floridians will be taking to the streets in protest on Sunday, Nov. 23, to raise awareness about the distressing case of a healthy four-year-old boy…
The above photo is from the Facebook community “Chase’sGuardians,” which has more than 3000 “Likes” and is tryingto raise funds for a possible appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. The fight to save her four-year-old son from non-medically necessary circumcision recently got a lot tougher for a South Florida mom. On November 6 an appellate…
Jewish psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957) wrote passionately against the practice of infant circumcision calling it “one of the worst treatments of children.” Now there is a new documentary film in the works about Reich’s life—and an active Kickstarter campaign to help fund what promises to be a very important project.Kevin Hinchey, who is a co-director…
The movement to name newborn Jewish boys without the surgery of circumcision has reached a milestone—200 celebrants (officiants) are available to perform the ceremony. More than 120 of these are rabbis.Called brit shalom (Hebrew for covenant of peace), this alternative naming ceremony may correspond in most ways with traditional brit milah, except that there is no…
The 13th International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Rights, “Whole Bodies, Whole Selves: Activating Social Change,” will be hosted at the University of Colorado—Boulder on July 24-26, 2014.The Symposium focuses on interdisciplinary dialogue about the often controversial topic of genital cutting practices of male, female, and intersex children, and on strategies for protecting children…
Courtesy of Amira Gaynor “When we planned this Brit Shalom for our son, we struggled to find appropriate Jewish content for the ceremony. It was difficult to figure out which content honored the Jewish tradition of welcoming a Jewish boy to the community without honoring/performing the circumcision. Having a Jewish resource to guide the ceremony would have been a valuable resource. I…
By EMILY KAPITI was not scared of labor and delivery; in fact, I was looking forward to it. I had a great team of supporters (husband, doctor, a doula), was prepared to labor using hypnobirthing, and really excited to meet our little one. I was, however, utterly terrified of a piece of paper, tucked inside…
Israeli Mother Opposes Circumcision for Young Son By REBECCA WALDToday Israel’s High Court of Justice issued an unprecedented ruling—rabbinical courts in that country no longer have the authority to determine whether boys will be circumcised should divorcing parents disagree on the matter.The 6-1 vote in favor of stripping the rabbinical court’s power, means the disputed…
By LISA BRAVER MOSS “You know I love you, Lisa, but about circumcision — well, can’t we just agree to disagree?” As a Jewish woman who opposes circumcision, I often get this kind of conversational preempt from friends and family. It’s an occupational hazard of writing about such a highly-charged topic: people seem to think…
“Jewish families who want to be part of congregational Judaism—whether or not their sons have been circumcised—should be not only included in Jewish life but embraced!” Rabbi Joshua Ratner Beyond the Bris: Can you talk a little about your background? What branch of Judaism are you associated with? Rabbi Ratner: I grew up in a warm,…
Infant circumcision is a highly charged topic—add in the element of religion and it’s a potential powder keg. Yet the movement to end the non-therapeutic sexual cutting of children depends on thoughtful and respectful conversation. Saving Our Sons is wonderful grassroots organization that educates the public about the harms of infant circumcision. Beyond the Bris…
By REBECCA WALD I recently discovered author Brian Leaf and I’m so glad I did. He is the voice of my generation of naturally-minded parents. He is caring, sensible, smart and funny. I’d like to think that if our paths had crossed, we would be friends.Leaf is an accomplished writer with 12 books already to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oakland, California — Lisa Braver Moss and Rebecca Wald, both known for their writings questioning Jewish circumcision, have launched a 45-day Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the completion of a book to serve Jewish families who decide not to circumcise. They are hoping to raise $8,200 to complete the project with…
Brian Levitt holds his newborn photo in protest of infant circumcision. Jewish feelings about circumcision—for and against—are complex. The following quotes, all of them by Jewish people and all of them real, demonstrate the diversity of thought when it comes to questioning the ancient ritual. If you are Jewish and would like to add your…