Is Circumcision Mandatory in Israel?
Unfortunately, the State of Israel has less organized monitoring of ritual circumcisers (Mohels) than the Jewish communities of New York or Britain. However, there is more cooperation with the hospital system during training. Most of the circ horror stories come from the Arab population.
One selects a Mohel by word of mouth. It is common to seek out a more mature mohel. I picked the Mohel for my sons based on how some of my neighbors looked in the locker room - the same Mohel has done many fathers and their sons in my community. So I definitely knew what to expect, and I got it.
What is more interesting is the subtle difference between Jewish circ in Israel versus the USA. Here in Israel, a noticeably smaller amount of skin is removed. At least a third of the Israelis I've seen have skin overhanging the rim of the head. This was not the case in the States. I spoke with a retired American mohel now living here, and he claims that the use of the clamp techniques in the US influenced the perception of what "circumcised" means. He recalls instances in which he performed a perfectly acceptable circ according to the Jewish ritual, but was asked by the parents to remove more skin so the boy would "look right".
Needless to say, there is no such pressure here - almost all circs are done by mohels, and half the population comes from Arab countries where circs seem to be looser (at least that's my experience judging by the Arab men I've seen).
Interestingly, many Israeli Arabs are having their boys done at birth before leaving the hospital, rather than waiting till puberty. So their perceptions may change, too.
Do all "Russian" jews keep their foreskin after moving to Israel? Does the society force them to conform and get circumcised?
There is no law requiring that they be circumcised. They receive all benefits as returning Jews. Most men my age (married with kids) don't do it. The turning point is the mandatory draft at age eighteen. Although the army made a point of publicizing its hands-off policy, many teens have it done out of peer pressure.
Despite the somewhat guarded nature of the Soviets, there have been several people speaking out about how they regret having done it. They were answered by others who say it's no big deal. I discussed this with a Russian guy in my neighborhood - he and his son were circed on the same day - and he says it's no big deal. But he also admitted that he didn't have full foreskin coverage when he was uncut. So perhaps his glans was already toughened.
What shall you tell your children when they ask you why are you not done?
That's the million-dollar question. I have framed several answers. I am certainly not going to do it just to avoid a moment's embarrassment with my sons.
I am more concerned that, when they learn that I am uncut, this will unleash the extreme anger reaction one hears in the anti-circ camp. I am really afraid of that fury - and I have encountered many men who really were that angry and hung up.
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