Brit shalom (naming ceremony)

Brit shalom (Hebrew: ברית שלום‎; "Covenant of Peace"), also known as alternative brit, brit ben, or brit chayim, is a naming ceremony for newborn Jewish boys that does not involve circumcision. It is promoted by groups such as Beyond the Bris and Jews Against Circumcision to replace the traditional brit milah. The term is not generally used for girls.

History

The first Brit shalom ceremony was celebrated by Rabbi Sherwin Wine, founder of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, around 1970.

Ceremony

Brit shalom ceremonies can vary. Some include washing the baby's feet, known as Brit rechitzah. These ceremonies can be performed by a rabbi or a layperson, and in Humanistic Judaism, the celebrant may not necessarily believe in God.

Popularity

The exact number of brit shalom ceremonies performed annually is unknown. While it remains a marginal phenomenon, its popularity is reportedly increasing among contemporary Jews and Intactivist groups in the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel.

Recognition

While Orthodox Jews consider circumcision a crucial commandment, Jewish identity is primarily defined by matrilineal descent. Progressive Judaism movements, like Reform and Humanistic Judaism, may accept uncircumcised boys for religious training and bar mitzvah.

References

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