Non-circumcising Jews may not realize they’re welcome in the Jewish community. Bruchim believes they have everything to offer and everything to gain from being involved in Jewish life.
Those opting out of circumcision may be among the most ethically-minded and progressive members of Jewish groups. Synagogues and other institutions will grow stronger with their full participation.
New York Times Best Selling Author Gary Shteyngart
“I feel like it’s an unstoppable train … as a fellow Jew I can’t help but be proud that people are addressing this issue with so much eloquence and thought and empathy. Because I think ultimately changing our minds about this will require a lot of empathy.”
Orthodox Rabbi Binyamin Silver, Speaking on Zev Brenner’s Talkline
“It’s not a take it or leave it, we embrace every Jew.”
Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Top Conservative Jewish Law Authority, Speaking to Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Oct. 2021
There is no basis in Jewish law for denying an uncircumcised man access to religious life, including bar-mitzvah.
Rabbi Andrew Sacks, Dir. Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement in Israel, ILTV Israel News, Oct. 2021
“[A male who hasn’t been circumcised] continues to be able to participate fully as a minyan, be called to the Torah, participate in every way, and a child who is not circumcised at the age of 13 has done nothing wrong.”
Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ratner, Ordained by Jewish Theological Seminary
“Jewish families who want to be part of congregational Judaism — whether or not their sons have been circumcised — should be not only included in Jewish life but embraced!”
Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, Executive Director of The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
“I think you must bring your child into the covenant, or you should bring your child into the covenant. I want to push that as an expectation. How it’s done — there are many equally valid options.”
