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Of all of the commandments in Judaism, the brit milah (literally, Covenant of Circumcision) is probably the one most universally observed. It is commonly referred to as a bris (covenant, using the Ashkenazic pronunciation). Even the most secular of Jews, who observe no other part of Judaism, almost always observes this tradition. <ref>Jew FAQ "Birth" [http://www.jewfaq.org/birth.htm Jew FAQ "Birth"]</ref>

Halacha provides for the ceremony of hatifat dam berit (shedding of a token drop of blood) for babies who can not be circumcised due to health reasons. This is deemed to be completely valid in marking the Covenant. <refname="Britshalom">Jews Against Circumcision, Brit Shalom [http://www.jewsagainstcircumcision.org/ Jews Against Circumcision, Brit Shalom]</ref>

Modern Jewish scholars have found that circumcision is not even mentioned in the earliest, “J”, version of Genesis nor the next three rewrites by other authors. Most importantly, the story of Abraham is there in its entirety, except the part about the Covenant being “sealed” with circumcision. So do not be afraid of divine punishment. God did not mandate circumcision. <ref>Jews Against Circumcision, Brit Shalom http:name="Britshalom"//www.jewsagainstcircumcision.org/</ref>

* Since many American Christians practice circumcision, it does not distinguish the Jewish boys from the non-Jewish.<ref>Jews Against Circumcision, Brit Shalom http:name="Britshalom"//www.jewsagainstcircumcision.org/ </ref>