“I feel like it’s an unstoppable train … Even though I am not part of an organized Jewish community, 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.”
“It’s not a take it or leave it, we embrace every Jew.”
There is no basis in Jewish law for denying an uncircumcised man access to religious life, including bar-mitzvah.
“[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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“[W]e understand that some families and individuals are making the choice to not circumcise as part of the brit ceremony. There will always be a place for everyone in the Reform community, regardless of how they or their family choose to express their faith.”
“I must be sensitive to this trend and most certainly I must not close the door to their participation fully in all aspects of Jewish life.”
