CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
28. Berit Milah
QUESTION: Is it Reform
practice to observe the berit milah on the eighth day, or can it be done at the
convenience of the parents by a Jewish or Gentile physician? In addition, should the comparable
naming ceremony for girls also be observed on the eighth day? (Rabbi E. Sapinsley, Bluefield,
WV)
ANSWER: The Biblical statement about circumcising a male on the eighth day
is very clear and is provided in Genesis 17.11 (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 261 ff;
Yad Hil. Milah). Reform Jews observe this practice on the day stipulated. Of course if a
medical reason makes the circumcision dangerous, it may be postponed virtually indefinitely
until the child can be circumcised safely. All traditional authorities agree completely on this. If the
parents do not arrange for a boy’s circumcision as a child, it becomes his responsibility as an
adult.
It is clear as well (A. Z. 26a) that a Jew must perform the actual operation of
circumcision. In the Reform tradition, if no Jewish doctor is available, then a non-Jew may
perform the operation while the rabbi or father recites the appropriate prayers. In fact, someone
totally removed from Judaism [a pagan] would be preferable to an individual close to Judaism
[like a Samaritan] who is a sectarian, according to Rabbi Meir (A. Z. 26b). In his notes to the
Shulhan Arukh, Moses Isserles indicated that a non-Jew might also perform the operation
during a period of duress or danger (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 264.1).
The
treatment of girls, as far as the “covenant” is concerned, varies (S. J. Maslin, Gates of
Mitzvah, p. 15). Many congregations name girls in the synagogue at a Sabbath close to birth
when both parents can attend and participate in the service. This makes the event a happy
congregational celebration. The recently introduced ceremony of “covenant of life” should
probably also occur on the eighth day if we wish to indicate complete equality for girls. As no
medical impediments can arise, and as there is no need to return to a hospital, it is possible to
conduct this ceremony on the eighth day, but postponement for the sake of family convenience
is equally acceptable.
January 1978
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.