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,…
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…
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…
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…
There is no standard formula for a brit shalom, and parents and/or clergy should choose blessings and readings that are meaningful both for the moment and for the specific family. Planning the brit shalom is a creative act. Liturgy might closely follow that of brit milah, with the act of circumcision being replaced by something…
If your family is having a brit shalom, you’ll probably want to assign roles (for example, kvatter and sandek, who are honorees) and have a few things on hand, including chosen prayers, kosher wine, a kiddush cup, a challah, a ceremonial chair, a pillow for the baby to rest on, etc. For more information about…
