P01-317 - Opposition to the Jewish Rite of Circumcision in Modern Israeli Society as Expression of Motherhood and Feminism

Abstract

Objective

Up until recently, Jewish circumcision was a taboo Jewish rite, with the upmost importance to Jewish identity. Lately, voices began to rise in Israel that questions the rite. It is a growing community of parents that did not circumcise their sons, and stood oppose to the status quo of circumcision.

We will examine Jewish circumcision in non religious society in Israel through the voices of mothers who did not circumcise their sons.

Method

Qualitative constructivist research based on depth interviews of mothers who did not circumcise their sons and cross cultural literature review.

Results

In most cases the mother initiated an emotional decision not to circumcise. The characteristics of these women were atheist, older than usual, very educated, Most of which grew up with high expectations to be successful financially and professionally, but chose to live a more “homey” lives with their main goal children upbringing.

Conclusions

We have found that the opposition to Jewish circumcision in Israel is a statement that goes against the devaluation of the primary dyad between a mother and her child. It is not an isolated event but a part of a broader conceptual believes that emphasizes more “feminine” values such as motherhood, breastfeeding, nature and ecology, as opposed to “muscular” values as culture, ritual ceremonies, financial wealth and militarism. The social change that is represented by the opposition to Jewish circumcision is a part of the individualism of society which emphasizes the importance of the processes within the family unit.