Jewish conversion is a process, sometimes taking years of study and practice, that culminates in a conversion ceremony. As with ...
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Jewish conversion is a process, sometimes taking years of study and practice, that culminates in a conversion ceremony. As with ...
My son’s Bris was today
It was so intense and beautiful. I expected the intensity but the beauty and the love that I experienced today wasn’t expected. I’m so grateful to be Jewish, I’m so grateful that my son will be raised as a part of this community.
שבוע טוב ❤️
It’s time to play the name game! And no, we’re not talking about the classic 1960s pop song. Rather, it’s time for our predictions for 2018’s most popular Jewish baby names. Last year was a a big year for names inspired by Game of Thrones and Star Wars — and can you really be all …
Hi PJ, I really love your blog and it's helped me learn a lot. I'm seriously considering conversion and I had a couple of questions. First, are gay couples generally accepted in reform synagogues? Secondly, I would like to have children but I'm conflicted about brit milah as I've heard lots of arguments against it. I understand the significance in terms of the covenant, but is it essential that a boy is circumcised at 8 days or could it be left for him to make the decision as an adult? Thanks!
Hiya friend!
Thank you so much for your message and for your compliments! I am going to break down your question into parts to make it a bit easier to answer.
Are gay couples generally accepted in reform synagogues?
Absolutely. x x x
I am conflicted about Brit Milah- is it essential that a boy is circumcised at 8 days- can they wait until they are older?
In a nutshell, you will learn more about this topic assuming you take the plunge and begin the conversion process. You would have ample time to learn, explore, and reflect on your own needs- and the needs of your future children.
Ultimately, the Reform Movement recognizes that Brit Mila / Hatafat Dam Brit is a choice and we will consider any child- regardless of if they had this ceremony or not- Jewish. But that being said, most (if not all) reform clergy will strongly encourage you to circumcise your sons for a number of reasons. Beyond the Covenental responsibility which you mentioned above, this mark of the Jewish people IS Jewish identity. It is also worth noting that although the Reform Movement might consider your child Jewish, other Jews might not (or might consider them apostates) without a proper Brit Mila and a dip in the mikveh (for children who are adopted and/or have a biological mother who is not Halachaically Jewish). This is all important because one day, God willing, your child will fall in love. And I would hate for a rabbi to have to send your kid and their spouse-to-be away because of your child’s Jewish status!
It is also worth noting that most Reform Rabbis and Cantors (I believe it is actually against the rules) will not do a “baby naming” for a little boy. In my classes, we are encouraged to not participate in such ceremonies. I would hate for your child to not have received his Hebrew name in such a beautiful ritual!
As you can imagine, this is a very sensitive topic- one that I would be more than happy chatting with you about more! Please don’t hesitate to send me a direct message.
PJ
What to name your new baby is always a complex decision–especially if you aren’t into gender norms and traditions. Maybe you don’t want to completely stray away from Jewish names and customs. One o…
Mit bizonyít a tudomány a körülmetélésről?
A brit mila körüli társadalmi, vallási és kulturális vita Izraelben szinte állandóan jelen van: identitás, hagyomány, testiség, gyereknevelés, modern etika és tudományos eredmények feszülnek egymásnak. A Haaretzben Yoav Ma-Tov friss, alaposan alátámasztott összefoglalója most arra tesz kísérletet, hogy a csatamező egyik leggyakrabban előkerülő kérdésében rendet tegyen: vajon a körülmetélés…
Brit Mila (circumcision ceremony), Mashhad, Iran, 1945
Metélni vagy nem metélni
Metélni vagy nem metélni
De mi lesz, ha fiú? – kérdezi férjem, rémülettel a szemében, miután elújságolom neki az örömhírt, hogy megint terhes vagyok. Én is megfagyok egy pillanatra. Majd megoldjuk valahogy – motyogom magam elé. Hiszem is meg nem is.
Az ultrahangon aztán az orvos megkérdezi, tudni akarjuk-e a nemét. Megszorítom uram kezét, és egyszerre bólintunk. Fiút vagy lányt szeretnének inkább? – kérdezi, hogy kicsit…
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