An Up and Coming Fashion?
by: Schvach Yid

It seem that non-Jewish families are able, and perhaps even prefer, to call on the services of a mohel for the circumcisions of their infant sons, according to a recent article, found on the Chaptzem Blog blogsite at: http://chaptzem.blogspot.com/2007/12/in-u.html#comments, on The Jewish Daily Forward website at: http://www.forward.com/articles/12351/ and on the Haaretz website at: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/939774.html .

Not to worry – it’s the same article posted on all three sites (it’s evidently making the rounds).

According to the article, written by John MacDonald of The Forward: While it's not clear exactly how many mohels offer nonritual circumcisions, the practice is, according to Shoulson - an Orthodox-trained mohel who has circumcised Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus during his 50-year career - very widespread.

I had no idea. Bravo for the recognition of a valuable service that’s rooted in a Torah commandment, as well as in Jewish religious tradition and teaching.

When I was a youngster growing up in New York, The City of New York Public Health Department required (I think) all newborn boys to be circumcised regardless of religion (not so cool if the parents disapproved). But if done on request by non-Jews, it’s yoffie that we Yiddin are willing to provide this Jewish time-honored religious practice.

Photo credit: The Jewish Daily Forward