It seems that my last post was provocative enough to get some good comments. I’d like to take the opportunity, as work let out early today, to address some of those, clarify, etc.
*NOTE: I am not a posek/halajic authority. I’m not a Doctor. Or a Policewoman.*
First, to clarify my inability to read a calendar: I did not recieve brit mila last Friday. It will be tomorrow at 7:30 am. Nonetheless, thanks to everyone that has enquired as to my health and recovery. It’s nice to know you care.
Now then, as far as the manner of the mila, there was some question as to whether or not it is better to use a mohel, or go through a hospital etc. In my case, I am getting both. My mohel is also a Urologist. I chose him because he has performed countless britot mila on adults, and as such seems to have the knack of it. Also, because he is both a mohel and a urologist, the likelihood of there being a halajic issue or a medical problem are both reduced. The procedure is performed in a hospital, outpatient, and then I am completely done.
Lastly, I have been asked why it is OK for me to receive aliyot or to be the magbiah if I am not circumcised. I haven’t been given an exact reason. Every psak halaja that I have seen affirms that I am allowed. Of course, in the manner of piskei halaja, no reasoning is given.
I have a theory, though. There is a Halajic category known as tinok she’nishba. It refers to a Jewish infant that is kidnapped by Gentiles and raised to adulthood with no knowledge of Judaism or familiarity with the community and customs. The Rabbis granted a special leniency for this individual: they should be welcomed and drawn back into the Jewish fold, but at the same time they are not responsible for mitzvot in the same way as one raised within the community. They are not obligated in mitzvot until they take it upon themselves to fulfill them. The category was applied to the descendants of Sephardim who remained in Spain and it’s territories.
Therefore, the distinction made is between someone that never received a brit mila, because neither he nor his parents ever knew better, and the person who willfully avoids it out of rebellion. I repeat though, that this is my best guess and I could be wrong.
