Longer foreskin is favored: Difference between revisions

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The sight of [[circumcised]] genitals at public baths or gymnasia would inspire laughter and ridicule. Jewish men, who wished to gain acceptance in the larger social world and needed a full-length [[foreskin]] to cover their [[glans penis]], gave themselves a presentable appearance by pulling the remaining [[foreskin]] forward as far as possible, and keeping it under enough tension to encourage permanent [[stretching]] toward its original length. Using a fibular pin or a cord, they pierced the front of the remaining foreskin, drew it forward, and fixed it in place; sometimes they would attach a weight to maintain tension. Over time the foreskin stretched and restored at least some of the appearance of an [[intact]] organ.<ref>{{REFbook
The sight of [[circumcised]] genitals at public baths or gymnasia would inspire laughter and ridicule. Jewish men, who wished to gain acceptance in the larger social world and needed a full-length [[foreskin]] to cover their [[glans penis]], gave themselves a presentable appearance by pulling the remaining [[foreskin]] forward as far as possible, and keeping it under enough tension to encourage permanent [[stretching]] toward its original length. Using a fibular pin or a cord, they pierced the front of the remaining foreskin, drew it forward, and fixed it in place; sometimes they would attach a weight to maintain tension. Over time the foreskin stretched and restored at least some of the appearance of an [[intact]] organ.<ref name="glick2005">{{REFbook
  |last=Glick
  |last=Glick
  |first=Leonard B.
  |first=Leonard B.
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}}</ref> and [[epispasm]] was invented. Up until the 2th century, [[Jewish circumcision]] involved only partial foreskin removal.  
}}</ref> and [[epispasm]] was invented. Up until the 2th century, [[Jewish circumcision]] involved only partial foreskin removal.  


Rabbis of the second century responded to the practice of epispsam to increase the injury by mandating ''[[Periah| peri’ah]]'' to change Jewish circumcision, or the complete ablation of the [[foreskin]] in order to prevent Jewish men from engaging in [[foreskin restoration]].<ref>{{REFbook
Rabbis of the second century responded to the practice of epispsam to increase the injury by mandating ''[[Periah| peri’ah]]'' to change Jewish circumcision, or the complete ablation of the [[foreskin]] in order to prevent Jewish men from engaging in [[foreskin restoration]].<ref name="glick2005" />
|last=Glick
|first=Leonard B.
|init=LB
|author-link=Leonard B. Glick
|year=2005
|title=Marked in Your Flesh
|url=
|editor=
|edition=
|volume=
|chapter="This Is My Covenant", Circumcision in the World of Temple Judaism
|page=31
|location=New York, NY
|publisher={{UNI|Oxford University|Oxon}} Press
|isbn=0-19-517674-X
|quote=For obvious reasons this was anathema to the rabbis: tantamount to rejection of Judaism and defiance of rabbinic authority.
|accessdate=2011-09-23
|note=
}}</ref>
It is clear that the [[circumcised]] Jewish men of antiquity needed a long, full-length [[foreskin]] to function in Greek society. It is not clear what other advantages may have been found.
It is clear that the [[circumcised]] Jewish men of antiquity needed a long, full-length [[foreskin]] to function in Greek society. It is not clear what other advantages may have been found.
{{SEEALSO}}
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Epispasm]]
* [[Epispasm]]
{{REF}}
{{REF}}