WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, recognize that certain Jews consider the Brit Milah ritual of neonatal circumcision an important part of Jewish law and/or tradition. Yet those that seek rigid and traditional interpretations of Judaism can find it in the Conservative and Orthodox movements.

The Reform Movement has always stood for "progressive Judaism" - "a Judaism that changes and adapts to the needs of the day." As progressive reform Jews, we are disappointed that CCAR Responsa suggest the tradition of the Brit Milah be placed above both contemporary medical opinion and the basic human right of "informed consent". Congregational Rabbis look to these Responsa for guidance.

We believe it is time for the URJ and CCAR to demonstrate leadership by now educating its Rabbis to recognize the medical and ethical shortcomings of religious neonatal circumcision, and to both sanction and promote alternative ceremonies, like the Brit Shalom, to support those that do so.

We recognize that this goes deep into the heart of what defines Judaism. The Reform Movement has met similar challenges in generations past, with many once taboo subjects and practices - such as the role of women in Judaism, the acceptance of GLBT membership and rabbinate, and the recognition of interfaith marriages / patrilineal decent - now being widely accepted, and making Judaism the better for it.