Bruchim habaim! Blessed are those who come!
Bruchim means “welcome” in Hebrew — and welcome is at the heart of who we are. We believe Jews who choose not to circumcise should know they belong in Jewish life, fully and without question.
With circumcision rates declining in America—and also among American Jews—the stakes are high for both families who opt out and for Jewish institutions. Bruchim encourages non-circumcising Jews to engage fully in Jewish life and helps them connect with communities that are welcoming and affirming.
Affirmation at life’s earliest moments nurtures lasting Jewish identity.
Jewish law is clear: a male who is not circumcised is still fully Jewish. Yet some synagogues and Jewish schools ask about circumcision status and even require it as a prerequisite for involvement. While such exclusion is rare, these instances have created uncertainty for families seeking welcoming spaces.
Other Jewish institutions may say, “we don’t check at the door.” That’s a good start—but a don’t-ask/don’t-tell approach can still cause anxiety for families unsure of how their choice will be received. True inclusion means going further. Parents seeking a birth ceremony that does not involve circumcision hope they can approach clergy with openness and be met with understanding. They want to know: Will our choice be respected? Will our child be openly and unequivocally welcomed into the community, without needing to conceal their circumcision status?
When communities offer clear and affirming answers, barriers dissolve. Families feel embraced, children grow up with a confident Jewish identity, and the entire community becomes stronger for welcoming diverse expressions of covenant and belonging.
Jewish institutions have an opportunity to embrace some of the community’s most caring and forward-thinking potential members.
When Jewish communities make an explicit commitment to acceptance, they create space for more families to connect meaningfully—especially at moments of transition, like when welcoming a new baby.
Much of Bruchim’s work focuses on families with infants and young children, but the circle of connection extends far beyond. Children grow into teenagers and adults, and today there are many intact Jews who are fully part of Jewish life. Their siblings, grandparents, and extended family members are also touched by this experience. Jews of all ages, genders, orientations, and backgrounds who feel uncertain about the circumcision tradition are increasingly seeking communities where they can participate wholeheartedly, knowing they will be welcomed regardless of personal practice or belief.
Bruchim helps ensure that non-circumcising Jews feel supported in their choice and welcomed into the richness of Jewish life.
Our work includes supporting families as they navigate Jewish life with openness and confidence. We provide resources to educate clergy and institutions about the presence and concerns of non-circumcising Jews, while offering concrete ways to extend an open and meaningful welcome. Through outreach, education, and partnerships within the Jewish community, we broaden acceptance. Bruchim also fosters visibility and belonging through our podcast, and community-building events that celebrate inclusive Jewish life. Together, these efforts enrich the Jewish community, ensuring that all families can engage joyfully and meaningfully.
