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/