I guess that, in the back on my mind, I always knew that some Jews got adult circumcisions (what an opening sentence!). There were always men in my synagogue who were converting, and while I assume some got a little snip while still in the hospital, some stayed “au natural.” Hey, if Abraham can do it it himself in his 90s, then I’m sure letting a mohel do it to you in your 30s isn’t the worst thing ever.
Then one time in high school, a friend of mine, born in the former Soviet Union, just casually mentioned to me that he was circumcised at age 13. Maybe I’d be able to handle that information better today, but my 16 year old self was floored. 13! That’s messed up man! I mean, totally understandable. But 13!!!
Now, comes a web series called Circumcised! about exactly that subject. Gleb Kaminer was born in Azerbaijan. And much like my friend, was only circumcised when he moved to Israel. The series tells his story.
Here is the trailer. It’s not graphic. Don’t worry.