Questioning Circumcision: A Jewish Perspective

QUESTIONING CIRCUMCISION: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE is the first critical examination of the growing controversy of male infant circumcision with special attention to contemporary concerns of the Jewish community. Endorsed by five rabbis among others, this extraordinary book examines the origins, assumed benefits, risks, and unrecognized consequences of the Jewish practice with thorough documentation and moving personal experiences. Consider these facts: Circumcision is not universal among Jews. Jewish press articles have questioned circumcision. A male child born of a Jewish mother is a Jew, whether he is circumcised or not. Jewish circumcision has never had anything to do with health concerns. Circumcision conflicts with significant Jewish laws and values. An Israeli organization publicly opposes circumcision. "Dr. Goldman has written a thoughtful, provocative book on a difficult subject. He challenges us to reexamine long-held assumptions and to reconsider the practice of milah (ritual circumcision) in light of contemporary evidence. By giving us an insightful and carefully documented exploration of a controversial perspective, Dr. Goldman helps to foster a healthy and valuable dialogue within the Jewish community." -Rabbi Jonathan Kraus, Beth El Temple Center "If you are a liberal Jew, whether you see circumcision as the sanctification of the covenant, as a ceremony marking you as a Jew, or otherwise, this book stimulates deeper reflection about the practice. As an aware, concerned, and introspective people, Jews must examine whether our rites are right. We must determine if our ceremonies, traditions, and practices reflect our innermost beliefs. Asking ourselves and each other the question 'Why?' is one of the most sacred tasks to which a modern Jew can dedicate himself or herself." -Rabbi Donald Pollock, pastoral psychotherapist, writer, and lecturer Ronald Goldman, Ph.D., a psychological researcher, educator, and writer, is the executive director of the Circumcision Resource Center in Boston, a nonprofit educational organization. He is internationally known for his work on circumcision, gives lectures and seminars on the subject, and provides consultation to expectant parents and circumcised men. As the author of Circumcision: The Hidden Trauma, Dr. Goldman has been a featured guest on local and national radio and television shows and has been published in medical journals, newspapers, parenting publications, and Jewish periodicals.