I don’t really have a reason for asking, I’m just curious about this. (I’m not Jewish) Do younger Jewish people have the same views on circumcision (i.e. it’s necessary) as the general population? is it okay for gentiles to criticize this practice as (in my opinion) it’s a form of mutilation the same as FGM? I feel very conflicted on this topic because it IS a cultural practice but ultimately it seems like unnecessary harm to a child.
Mod here. Please be gentle chaverim.
I debated breaking this into separate asks but I wanted to give folks the opportunity to answer holistically. However, I am going to separate out some questions to help folks get started or break it into manageable chunks:
What is the overall view on circumcision in the Jewish circles (please mention some kind of communal FOR) you participate in? Does that view seem to you to differ by age?
Are circumcision and FGM medically/physiologically* the same? do they have any psychological** or ethical similarities? do you see either/both as a net positive/negative?
What is your view on circumcision and how do you feel about gentiles chiming in about religious circumcision? What level or types of involvement do you think are appropriate?
As always, respondents, you don’t have to answer. If you don’t have the energy, someone else will likely bring up similar points. Any Muslim folks (or other people whose religious tradition includes infant or child circumcision) who are seeing this post are welcome to answer questions 2 & 3, just please be clear that you aren’t Jewish.
Much thanks! (Todah rabah!) !תּוֹדָה רַבָּה
* Please cite a source from someone with expertise. Ideally, choose a source that is or is backed-up by peer-reviewed studies.
** Please cite a source (even if that’s “me” or “a person in my life”) and be clear about the type of source you’re citing (whether it’s anecdotal versus a broad scope from an expert versus a consensus statement from lots of experts versus peer-reviewed studies versus etc., etc.)
