Questioning Circumcision: "The Ultimate Taboo Among American Jews" "When I began to question the practice of circumcision among American Jews, to say that I had no idea of what a great taboo it was would be an understatement. Coming from a European background where routine circumcisions as practiced in most American hospitals are nonexistent, and where many Jews reject brit milla as an archaic and barbaric ritual, I simply assumed that the Jewish community had divergent approaches on this issue just as with every other aspect of Judaism. I was stunned to realize that questioning this ritual is the ultimate taboo among American Jews. . . . The extent of the repression surrounding this issue is astounding. Anyone who dares to question the brit milla is angrily silenced, laughed at, lightly dismissed, or labelled a traitor undermining Judaism." A Mother Questions Brit Milah, by Nelly Karsenty. 14 references. Humanistic Judaism, 1988; 16(3): 14-20. Entire article included in large information packet available from: Alternative Bris Support Group Helen Bryce PO Box 1305 Capitola, CA 95010-1305 (831)475-3313 bryce@cruzio.com
http://www.cirp.org/pages/cultural/karsenty/