Babies assigned female at birth are typically given a Hebrew name during the Torah service shortly following their birth. Brit milah is a male-only ceremony, and brit shalom was originally conceived to be a male-only alternative. However, modern notions about gender and equality are changing the way many of us look at Jewish ritual — and brit shalom is no exception. Some non-circumcising families may wish to have a brit shalom regardless of their child’s anatomical gender. Also, about one or two in every hundred babies is born with some male and some female anatomical features. For families of intact intersex children, or for non-circumcising families who prefer not to reference gender, brit shalom is an option. The guidebook Celebrating Brit Shalom includes an example of an entirely gender-neutral ceremony, including adult roles.
