Galen and Hippocrates depicted in a 12th century mural/ Wikimedia Commons. The tradition of metzitzah b’peh goes back to biblical times but has created a modern-day dilemma for religiously observant Jews. New York City officials linked the practice to 17 cases of infant herpes since 2000, of whom two died. In the latest development, the…
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio scored a political victory February 24 when administration officials announced the city’s intention to scrap current regulation of a controversial circumcision rite. Ultra-Orthodox leaders, who represent a powerful voting bloc in the city, welcomed the announcement, hailing it as a victory for religious freedom. But it remains to…
It looks like Johnny Depp is just as depressed about his acting career as you are. During an appearance on Israeli TV show, “Erev Tov With Guy Pines.” the “Mortdecai” actor revealed that he’s been considering a change of pace to become… a mohel? Thanks to Tablet for pointing out the fantastic exchange below: Host:…
To many, it’s a disgusting ritual. But is it dangerous? For years, New York City health officials have cited scientific evidence that metzitzah b’peh, in which a mohel uses his mouth to suction blood from the circumcision wound, infects babies with the potentially fatal herpes virus. Now, the ultra-Orthodox community claims to have scientific evidence…
When Bill de Blasio was running for New York City mayor in May 2013, he said that he would “come in day one to City Hall with a new policy” to protect babies from contracting herpes during a controversial circumcision rite while respecting “religious tradition.” Last January, during his first month in office, Mayor de…
Another infant in New York City has been infected with herpes during a metzitzah b’peh ritual, city health authorities reported. The infection occurred in November, according to an official statement. The baby was diagnosed with herpes 12 days after his circumcision, during which the mohel applied direct oral suction on the infant’s penis. The infection…
The benefits of male circumcision mean that the procedure should be recommended to parents of newborn boys, according to a draft of federal guidelines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found according to the recommendations released on Tuesday that circumcision lowers the risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well…
Swedish lawmakers voted down a bill that would require parents to pay for non-medical circumcision of boys. The right-wing Sweden Democrats party brought the bill to a vote Tuesday at the regional council of Blekinge County in the kingdom’s south, Sveriges Radio reported. The party claimed that the practice should not be covered by the…
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