Brit Milah and Loving the Stranger: A Bruchim Text Study

March 21, 2022 — In this exploration of Torah text and Maimonides’ book Guide for the Perplexed, Bruchim’s president and co-founder Lisa Braver Moss discusses the practice of brit milah and the Torah’s many mentions of the commandment to love the stranger. What possible connection could there be between the stranger, the newborn baby, and…

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Brit Shalom Ceremonies Today

Today brit shalom is more widely known about and practiced than ever before. Still, many Jewish websites and parenting guides omit any information about ceremonial alternatives to brit milah. Bruchim believes that ignoring the existence of non-circumcising Jews does not build authentic, vibrant Jewish communities. Bruchim’s mission is, in part, to effect meaningful change in…

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Celebrants of Brit Shalom

In the early 2000s, Mark Reiss, M.D. stepped up to the plate with an innovative concept. A retired radiologist and an active member of his Conservative congregation, Dr. Reiss felt compelled to help Jewish families seeking circumcision alternatives. He compiled, and has maintained, an online list of brit shalom officiants throughout the United States, Europe,…

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Jewish Humanists Always ‘Brit Shalom’ Advocates

One notable exception to the difficulties experienced by non-circumcising Jews was for those members of the non-theistic branch of Judaism known as Humanistic Judaism. Founded in the early 1960s by Rabbi Sherwin Wine, Humanistic Judaism has always rejected the necessity of circumcision. Rabbi Wine did not use the term brit shalom, but rather advocated naming…

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How Did Brit Shalom Start?

Although some Jewish people throughout history have chosen not to circumcise, the idea of a replacement ceremony for the traditional bris is relatively new. One of the first known rabbi-led brit shalom ceremonies took place in the mid-1980s and was officiated by Rabbi Nathan Segal (1949-2019). In addition to being a non-circumcising Jew, Rabbi Nathan…

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What Happens After Brit Shalom?

Jewish services and celebrations are usually followed by a festive meal. New parents might be too tired to want to cook, so ordering in or having everyone bring a dish to share are popular options. It’s a matter of personal choice and budget whether your brit shalom is a fully catered event or a simple…

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