Jewish Lifecycle
A History of Brit Milah
Shifting views and philosophies about the Jewish practice of circumcising baby boys on the eighth day of life.
Some Meanings of Brit Milah
The message to the one who is circumcised: The covenant involves pain and sacrifice as well as honor and sanctity. And it is part of who you are, branded into your flesh at birth.
A Historical View of Pidyon HaBen
From biblical to contemporary times, how Jews have practiced this ceremony of redemption of the first-born.
Contemporary Issues in Lifecycle Ritual
Contemporary feminism has been, arguably, the primary influence upon the recent flourishing of new rituals and the transformation of older ones. On the other hand, for traditionalist Jews, the development of new approaches to ritual can be highly problema