New Film: CUT (View the Trailer...)

[MotherNurture]

Cut is a new documentary film by Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon which examines the subject of male circumcision from a religious, scientific and ethical perspective. Using cutting-edge research, in addition to interview footage of rabbis, philosophers, and scientists, Cut challenges the viewer to confront their biases by asking difficult questions about this long-standing practice.

http://www.cutthefilm.com/

From an article:

"It's clear that you're permanently altering a sexual experience," he said. "It's a radical change."

Some families that have opted not to have their sons circumcised are resorting to an alternative ceremony called Brit Shalom -- meaning covenant of peace.

This ritual is a baby-naming ceremony done without removing the infant's foreskin, explained Rabbi Adam Chalom of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Chicago.

The Brit Shalom is similar to a traditional bris in that it welcomes the baby boy into the covenant of the Jewish community. During the ceremony, parents talk to the child, sing songs, read poetry and share wine.

Chalom is one of a few rabbis who perform this unconventional ritual. He said only a few families have embraced this option because it is controversial.

"Circumcision is so central for a lot of (Jewish families) because of the sense of father-son identification and the sense of community identity," he said.

For her part, Evans said she has no regrets.

"I didn't abandon my religion," she said. "I just didn't want to allow someone to take a knife to my son's genitals."

http://religionnews.com/ArticleofWeek062107.html

Jen

[sheilad1]

I was shocked and distraght when our son and daughter in law told us they were not going to cirumcise their son (we are Jewish) but after seeing CUT I felt I would be hard pressed to circumcise a child. The documentary is fantastic and at the very least will help people understand why some feel circumcision is wrong. We were a family in crisis and now thanks to Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon, we are at peace and truly looking forward to the arrival of our grandson.

From an article:

"It's clear that you're permanently altering a sexual experience," he said. "It's a radical change."

Some families that have opted not to have their sons circumcised are resorting to an alternative ceremony called Brit Shalom -- meaning covenant of peace.

This ritual is a baby-naming ceremony done without removing the infant's foreskin, explained Rabbi Adam Chalom of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Chicago.

The Brit Shalom is similar to a traditional bris in that it welcomes the baby boy into the covenant of the Jewish community. During the ceremony, parents talk to the child, sing songs, read poetry and share wine.

Chalom is one of a few rabbis who perform this unconventional ritual. He said only a few families have embraced this option because it is controversial.

"Circumcision is so central for a lot of (Jewish families) because of the sense of father-son identification and the sense of community identity," he said.

For her part, Evans said she has no regrets.

"I didn't abandon my religion," she said. "I just didn't want to allow someone to take a knife to my son's genitals."

http://religionnews.com/ArticleofWeek062107.html

Jen