ABSTRACT
The Jewish ritual of circumcision constitutes a unique role in Judaism, where it serves as a rite of passage. This chapter draws out the cultural and religious significance of circumcision in Judaism by first considering the biblical origin of the ritual. It draws links between circumcision and Jewish identity to reveal the complex landscape of Jewish ritual circumcision and potential points of contact with activist and intactivist positions. In contrast to male bodies, the Jewish female body is not required to undergo a similar process of initiation. Division between male and female blood reinforces the patriarchal nature of the covenant. The deeply embedded history of circumcision in Judaism connects it with Jewish identity. In orthodox communities, most people grow up surrounded by family and friends. Most males have shared the experience of circumcision, and the experience is one revered by Jewish faith, either by divine provenance or by socio-cultural membership.
