Why are some Jews circumcised but some are not?

Answer 1

Jewish circumcision is performed at 8 days old to enter into the covenant of Abraham.

Many Jews have not been circumcised for 3 main reasons:

1. Some governments and other religions ban circumcision

2. A small number of Jews are choosing NOT to be circumcised

3. Some Jews simply didn't do it and didn't consider doing it

Whatever the reason, I embrace circumcision for 4 reasons:

1. I'm a Reform Jew, but I believe SOME things are best done the old-fashioned way. I'm also cautious - I wouldn't let just anybody circumcise my son or sons.

2. Personal hygiene is MUCH easier without the foreskin in the way, since the foreskin traps dirt and odors.

3. Circumcision is more sanitary and prevents foreskin problems NO ONE needs.

4. Different people have different opinions on aesthetics. I personally think foreskins are dirty and ugly - and a MAJOR sexual turn-off.

Jewish circumcision has never been a medical issue, but if the baby's health doesn't permit, the circumcision can be postponed. Jews who want to be circumcised can go to a Mohel or a urologist.

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Another contributor observed:

If you are any kind of student of the world around you, you'll probably notice eventually that

-- Some Jews observe the Sabbath, keep kosher, and attend synagogue services regularly,

while other Jews do none of these.

-- Some Catholics attend mass regularly and refrain from eating meat on Friday, while

other Catholics do neither of these.

-- Some Hindus refrain entirely from consuming the meat or products of any living thing,

while other Hindus never give it a thought.

It often seems that Judaism is the only culture of which the adherents are called to explain

the conduct of the apostates.

The answer is: Because they don't care for it; because it doesn't provide for their personal

psychological needs; because they feel that it's too much hassle; because they were never

trained or educated in it; because their parents had wandered so far from the time-honored-

and-tested tradition that they made a life-long decision for their newborn infant.

Answer 2

Every religion has its non-observant members.1) Non-observant people may be under peer influence.

2) Convenience.

3a) Lack of proper information. People have inaccurate notions about their religion. They've picked up tidbits, jokes, and "sound-bites," and on such solid authority they dismiss the entire topic.

3b) Lack of religious education.

4) Unfortunate experiences. Someone who had a harsh religious upbringing or parent, may retain an unhappy feeling towards his/her religion.

5) Many think that science, and specifically Evolution, have proved that there is no basis for religion.

6) Intellectual laziness. Many people have simply never delved into the subject, to see if the truth and/or value of the Torah can be convincingly demonstrated.

7) Stereotyping. People call us "religious nuts," etc.; so the average layperson may get a negative feeling toward their tradition.

8) Liberal misinformation. Some people have been told that it is wrong to circumcise a helpless baby boy, whereas in fact circumcision drastically reduces the likelihood of certain cancers.

See also:

More about circumcision in Judaism