Salem-News: The Jewish Anti-Circumcision and Intactivist Movement

Article here. Excerpt:

'(TEL AVIV) - Today's Judaism is ready to reject traditional circumcision and to move to compassionate symbolic rituals. The interpretation of Jewish law is constantly in a state of development, flux, and evolution, expanding as the realm of human rights expands. As Jews, we are regularly evolving our lives and practices to adjust to the constantly evolving moral arc of human rights.

As a leading Intactivist, Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon has so invaluably explained, for most of today's Jews, moral and humanitarian behavior towards others is at the forefront of Judaism. These moral principles of Judaism are in direct conflict with the tradition of surgical circumcision. This is not to say that all Jews, including the Orthodox will suddenly abolish circumcision surgery, and move to a symbolic interpretation without a period of reflection and forethought. However, progress is being made.
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Intactivism is a new form of human rights activism. Respectful intactivists criticize religious and historical excuses for circumcision without denigrating any group of people. We respect the peaceful elements of different belief systems while criticizing violent traditions and their history. Throughout the religious history of circumcision ethical issues have been widely acknowledged to some degree. Intelligent intactivists are respectful and effective when criticizing the history of circumcision surgery. Writings among Rabbis working to abolish circumcision in favor of a compassionate welcoming have roots that are over 200 years old within the Reform Jewish movement. Dr. Mark Reiss, a Jewish doctor and founder of a medical Intactivist group, maintains a list of almost 150 Rabbis in Israel, the USA, UK, and elsewhere who perform Jewish covenant rituals that respect the baby’s full personal well-being. ...'