Statement on Jewish Male Infant Circumcision and Brit Milah
Preamble
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For Secular and Humanistic Jews, Jewish male infant circumcision and Brit Milah pose a potential dilemma. On one hand, our commitment to Jewish history, culture and civilization pulls us toward continuing an ancient and deeply-rooted Jewish tradition. Individuals may have any number of reasons for choosing to circumcise or not to circumcise their male infants: family tradition, cultural identity, community acceptance, father-son identity, ethical or medical concerns, and so on. Unlike our forebears, however, we do not see Milah (circumcision) as a sign of a Brit (covenant). Our commitment to the autonomy and dignity of every human being raises questions about a non-consensual, painful, and practically irreversible surgery, removing a male infantŐs foreskin. Our profound belief in the equality of men and women requires/ensures that Jewish welcoming ceremonies are not different for infant males than for infant females. Finally, we believe that parents need to make their own informed decision as to the relative medical benefits and risks of circumcision.
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Preamble
Statement
We, the Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews, mindful of both our commitments to gender equality and to Jewish identity, affirm that:
- Circumcision and Brit Milah are not definitive of Jewish identity. After all, women have always been considered Jews without being part of such a 'Covenant.' "We welcome into the Jewish community all men, women, and children who identify with the history, culture and fate of the Jewish people" (LCSHJ Statement on Intermarriage 1991).
- Rabbis and Madrikhim(ot)/Vegvayzer/Leaders have an obligation to discuss with prospective parents who consult them regarding celebrating a birth, both the potential benefits and disadvantages of circumcision, accept whatever decision parents take on this issue and treat that decision with respect. It is not the place of outside authorities to make/impose such a momentous decision, for/on a family.
- Where parents choose to circumcise their male infants, they can do so either in a hospital, a doctor's office or at any other safe location by either a doctor or a (licensed) ritual circumciser (mohel/et). The parents should also be free to choose the date of such circumcision before, on, or after eight days following birth, limited only by the health and welfare of the infant.
- Rabbis and Madrikhim(ot)/Vegvayzer/Leaders should encourage and help parents to celebrate the arrival of a child by appropriate secular and humanistic ceremonies. They , can choose to officiate their naming and welcoming or Brit ceremony either separately or including a circumcision. Any references to a Brit would invariably be secular and humanistic ones.
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The Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews (April 2002)
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Judith S. Antonelli, 1995
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