Judaism
Judaism is the religion and culture of the Jews.[1] Please note that not all Jews are religious but live the Jewish culture.
Contents
History
Judaism was developed in the Middle East by the ancient Hebrews.[2]
Beliefs
Judaism is characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions.[2]
Religious officials
Rabbis (teachers, masters) carry out teaching and educational functions[3] while mohels carry out the ritual circumcision called Brit Milah in accordance with the Abrahamic covenant.
Symbol
The symbol of Judaism is the Star of David, which is a six-pointed star design.[4]
Controversial practice
Judaism has historically held a belief in the so-called Abrahamic covenant which purports to require that every newborn boy be circumcised on the eighth day of life.[5] This has now become controversial, because of surgical risks, because of the certain intense pain suffered by the boy, because of the certain lifetime loss of foreskin function, and because of the violation of the child's human rights.
Questioning circumcision
The alleged Abrahamic covenant is found in the Pentateuch (Torah) book of Genesis, chapter 17. This has been questioned for several reasons.[6] The practice of circumcision conflicts with many other Jewish values. Moreover, textual criticism indicates that this chapter appears to be a later insertion into the text of this Hebrew book.
A non-cutting alternative to Brit Milah, usually called Brit Shalom, is gaining in popularity.[7] Mark D. Reiss, M.D.[a 1], has sponsored the Mark D. Reiss, M.D. Inclusion Directory, where more information on Brit Shalom may be found.
Bruchim was founded in 2021 by Lisa Braver Moss and Rebecca Wald with a goal of making non-circumcision acceptable in American synagogues.
See also
External links
Goodman J. Jewish circumcision: an alternative perspective. BJU Int. January 1999; 83(1): 22-7. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
Goldman, Ronald. Jewish Circumcision Resource Center
. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
Abbreviations
- ↑
Doctor of Medicine
, Wikipedia. Retrieved 14 June 2021. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries, the abbreviation MD is common.
References
- ↑
Judaism
, Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 May 2022. - ↑ a b Gaster TH.
Judaism
, Britannica. Retrieved 1 May 2022. - ↑ (15 May 2020).
rabbi
, Britannica. Retrieved 1 May 2022. - ↑ Rogador, Christine (30 May 2021).
Star Of David Symbol – History And Meaning
, Symbols Archive. Retrieved 1 May 2022. - ↑ Hirsch EG, Kohler, Kaufmann, Jacobs, Joseph, Friedenwald, Aaron, Broydé, Isaac, et al. Circumcision. Jewish Encyclopedia. 1906; Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- ↑
Goldman R (2012): Questioning Circumcision: A Jewish Perspective. 144 pages. Vanguard Publications. ISBN 978-0964489561. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- ↑
Ahituv, Netta (14 June 2021)."Even in Israel, More and More Parents Choose Not to Circumcise Their Sons", Haaretz. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
Quote:The survey also found that nearly a third of the parents would prefer to forgo circumcision but nevertheless have it done for social reasons (16.6 percent), health reasons (10.4 percent) and because it is important for the grandparents (2.1 percent).
