DerekV12345
June 29th, 2012, 14:21
Metzitzah B'peh Circumcision Ritual Inconsistent With Jewish Principles
- Lisa Braver Moss
In recent weeks, a controversial Jewish circumcision practice gained the national spotlight after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between 2000 and 2011, at least 11 New York infants contracted genital herpes following ritual circumcision. Two of the babies died. This is distressing news to all who are concerned about the health and welfare of children.
The practice, called metzitzah b'peh, or oral suction, is used by a small number of Orthodox mohels (Jewish ritual circumcisers). Many assume this practice is a hallmark of strict religious observance -- for better or worse, the ultimate in adherence to Jewish tradition. What's rarely considered is the way in which metzitzah b'peh conflicts with basic Jewish principles.
Metzitzah b'peh is uncommon even among those Jews who opt for religious circumcision of their sons. Following the circumcision, the mohel takes a sip of wine and quickly removes the blood from the penis through the wine, using his mouth. He then spits the mixture out.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-braver-moss/metzitzah-bpeh-circumcision-ritual-inconsistent-with-jewish-principles_b_1598281.html
- Lisa Braver Moss
In recent weeks, a controversial Jewish circumcision practice gained the national spotlight after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between 2000 and 2011, at least 11 New York infants contracted genital herpes following ritual circumcision. Two of the babies died. This is distressing news to all who are concerned about the health and welfare of children.
The practice, called metzitzah b'peh, or oral suction, is used by a small number of Orthodox mohels (Jewish ritual circumcisers). Many assume this practice is a hallmark of strict religious observance -- for better or worse, the ultimate in adherence to Jewish tradition. What's rarely considered is the way in which metzitzah b'peh conflicts with basic Jewish principles.
Metzitzah b'peh is uncommon even among those Jews who opt for religious circumcision of their sons. Following the circumcision, the mohel takes a sip of wine and quickly removes the blood from the penis through the wine, using his mouth. He then spits the mixture out.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-braver-moss/metzitzah-bpeh-circumcision-ritual-inconsistent-with-jewish-principles_b_1598281.html