Best Jewish Circumcision Podcasts (2025)

1
Connecting The Dots 38:37

1d ago38:37

38:37

What a season it’s been on the Bruchim Podcast! Eli and Max debrief the conversations we’ve had with an incredible variety of guests. We cover: hatafat dam brit, including its ethics, lived experience (for good and bad) and future possibilities; the significance of circumcision as a ritual act vs. a bodily state; the medicalization of circumcision …

1
Q&A #1: How did Jesus Interpret Sacrifices? And Other Questions 41:24

4d ago41:24

41:24

In this episode, we respond to questions sent to us by our listeners!

1
Foreskin Fears and Fantasies with Jonathan Allan 48:36

7d ago48:36

48:36

We talk a lot about Jewish circumcision on this podcast, but what’s the significance of the foreskin? Can we even think about the foreskin apart from circumcision? Eli and Max are joined by Prof. Jonathan Allan (Brandon University), author of Uncut: A Cultural Analysis of the Foreskin, to tackle these questions. We discuss the impact of the foreski…

1
The Unmodified Body with Clare Chambers 49:22

14d ago49:22

49:22

Your body is good enough just as it is — or so Prof. Clare Chambers (Cambridge University) argues in her book Intact: A Defence of the Unmodified Body. She joins Eli and Max to explain her Principle of the Unmodified Body, which is a political principle for resisting pressure to engage in body modification. We discuss the different kinds of reasons…

1
Redemption and Transformation, An Examination Through The Lens Of Christian And Jewish Theology, Easter and Passover: Rabbi Jess Talks with Reverend Amanda Barker 32:30

19d ago32:30

32:30

Rabbi Jess and Reverend Amanda Barker discuss the relationship of Redemption in Judaism and Christianity. What is Redemption? What is Redemption in Christianity? In Judaism? How do they overlap? How do they differ? Is redemption an active process? What does redemption call us to? What actions? What obligations? How does one become redeemed? How is…

1
Reevaluating Circumcision: A Trans Perspective with brin solomon 49:01

21d ago49:01

49:01

Should Jewish practices related to anatomy be revised in light of new understandings of sex and gender? Should hatafat dam brit replace circumcision both for the bris and for conversion? Eli and Max are joined by brin solomon, author of “Conversion & Circumcision: A Trans Approach,” to discuss brin’s proposals in this responsum. First we discuss th…

1
Choosing Brit Milah with Matthew Barron-Jones 32:16

28d ago32:16

32:16

What is it like to undergo circumcision as an adult for the purpose of Jewish conversion? Matthew Barron-Jones tells Eli his story: how he came to Judaism, what his process of conversion was like, how his circumcision went down, and the spiritual power of being able to choose circumcision for himself. Along the way, Eli and Matt draw some contrasts…

1
Prick and Choose Part IV with F. and G. 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

A family shaken by a traumatic hatafat dam brit shares their story with Eli and Max. This wrenching personal account touches on hatafat dam brit and conversion; on the moral dangers of hatafat dam brit for children past infancy; and on the unpredictable and overwhelming ways that trauma, especially related to unwanted genital contact, can manifest …

1
5. Oozing with Power: A Zavah Touches Jesus (Mark 5.25–34) 36:48

1M ago36:48

36:48

In Mark 5, a woman who experienced vaginal bleeding for 12 years touches Jesus. What happens when she does this, and why? In this episode we dive into Leviticus 15, the legislation genital discharges, both natural and unnatural. We look at how this legislation was applied by ancient Jews and how all this helps us read Mark 5.24–35 with new eyes. We…

1
Prick and Choose Part III with Tim Kynerd, Jason Welle, and Yoshi Goodman 46:15

1M ago46:15

46:15

What is it like to undergo hatafat dam brit? Three men who’ve done it tell Eli and Max their stories: what led them to this ritual, how it went down, what it felt like, how they’ve viewed this experience in retrospect, and what they would want people to know who are considering hatafat dam brit for themselves. The Jewcurious Show, “How to Find a Ra…

1
Prick and Choose Part II with Rabbi Oren Steinitz 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

How does hatafat dam brit fit into the process of Jewish conversion, and what is the religious and psychological significance of this practice? Eli and Max are joined by Rabbi Oren Steinitz to dig into these questions. Rabbi Oren describes how he talks about hatafat dam brit and circumcision in the conversion process, including the importance of tr…

1
4. Contagious with Life: Jesus Heals a Leper (Mark 1.39–44) 1:33:40

2M ago1:33:40

1:33:40

Lepers weren't "excluded" from all of society in ancient Judaism. So what is the significance of Jesus touching a leper? The focus of this episode is the scene where Jesus "purifies" a leper through touch in Mark 1.39–44. This short passage raises numerous questions: Did Jesus disregard the torah when he touched the leper? What was the leper doing …

1
Prick and Choose Part I with Max Buckler 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

This episode begins our series on hatafat dam brit, a Jewish ritual performed in place of brit milah that involves pricking the circumcision scar to draw a small amount of blood. Eli and Max are joined by Max Buckler, who has recently published the first bioethics paper on hatafat dam brit and its relationship to debates about circumcision. We disc…

1
The Medicalization of Circumcision with Elizabeth Reis 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

Many Jewish males are circumcised in the hospital without any Jewish ritual, but how did this become the case? Eli and Max are joined by the historian Prof. Elizabeth Reis (CUNY), who has studied the medicalization of circumcision in mid-century New York. While rabbis were glad to see mainstream support for circumcision, they worried about a shift …

1
3. The Redemption, Circumcision, and Purification of Baby Jesus (Luke 2.21–24) 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode we look at Mary and Joseph's obedience to three commandments in Luke 2.21–24: the commandment for the redemption of the firstborn (Exodus 13:11-15; Numbers 3:40-41; Numbers 18:15-16), the commandment to circumcise every male child on the eighth day (Genesis 17.10-14), and the commandment for parturient purification (Leviticus 12.1–8…

1
They’re Still Doing This with Ronald Goldman 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

How might childhood trauma relate to some of the big problems in our relationships and our world? Eli is joined by the psychologist Dr. Ronald Goldman, a longtime Jewish opponent of circumcision, to talk about Ron’s new book about empathy. Eli and Ron discuss mother-infant bonding and the effects it can have on adults, the systemic issues that prev…

1
Explorations and Discussions of the Book 'Sacred Insignia: The Spiritual Significance of Brit Milah, Circumcision, and the Sacred Sexual Relationship Between Men and Women': A Talk with Rabbi Jessica Minnen ... 1:04:33

3M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In this initial conversation of Rabbi Jessica hosting, Rabbi Jess and Rabbi Elihu Moshe Gevirtz explore the mystical and practical reasons, and implications of circumcision from his book 'Sacred Insignia' and the seven years of research that went into the writing, research, thought, and reflection of the book. Aspects of the discussions include: wh…

1
Insistent Chutzpah with Jessie Kahnweiler 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

How do you make decisions about whether to circumcise your future kid? For feminist filmmaker Jessie Kahnweiler, the answer is by making a movie! Jessie joins Eli to discuss what it’s like to make a film about the sensitive subject of Jewish circumcision, how to balance different perspectives on a controversial topic, and the position of women in c…

1
2. Ritual Impurity in the Law 47:38

3M ago47:38

47:38

What is impurity? How do people contract it? How do they get rid of it? And why does any of this matter for understanding Jesus? In this episode, we offer a whistle-stop tour of the ritual purity system in Leviticus 12–15, Numbers 5, and Numbers 19. We discuss the meaning of holy/profane/pure/impure, outline the sources of impurity, and explain how…

1
The Bioethics of Circumcision with Brian Earp 1:03:07

3M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Interested in the ethics of circumcision? You’ve come to the right place! Eli and Max are joined by the bioethicist Prof. Brian Earp (National University of Singapore and Oxford University), a leading scholar of genital cutting and bodily integrity. Brian walks us through recent developments in the ethics of bodily integrity, and then we discuss th…

1
Introducing Rabbi Jessica Minnen, New Host of Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition 21:26

3M ago21:26

21:26

Rabbi Jessica Minnen is the new Host of Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition and sat down to talk with Joel as a way of introduction. Rabbi Jessica and Joel explore Judaism and the origin and reason for the name Unraveling Religion, Rabbi Jessica's experiences growing into Judaism and becoming a Rabbi, the influence of Pardes Institute of Jewish Stu…

1
Season Two Trailer 0:45

3M ago0:45

0:45

Buckle up! Season 2 is about to begin.By Bruchim

1
1. Debunking Seven Misconceptions About the Law 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

In this episode we address the following seven common misconceptions about the Law: 1. Obeying the law is about earning your way to God. 2. The law demands perfection and is an impossible burden. 3. Being impure means you are evil or sinful. 4. The law excludes gentiles. 5. The law uniformly obligates all humans. 6. The law governs external actions…

1
Trailer: Jesus and Jewish Law 13:54

4M ago13:54

13:54

In this trailer we introduce what this podcast is about, why we are doing it, and how each episode will be structured.

1
Questions of Authenticity and Meaning in Work: Examination Through A Jewish Lens with Rabbi Jessica Minnen 48:36

4M ago48:36

48:36

Rabbi Jessica Minnen and Joel sit for a deep examination of work and the different forms work takes for us as human beings. Rabbi Jessica and Joel start with discussing Torah and the teaching of G-d's Work (i.e., Six (6) Days of Creation) and G-d's Rest, and how that relates to Shabbas: The conversations about the Shabbas Hebrew shoresh (i.e., root…

1
Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition Trailer 0:43

6M ago0:43

0:43

In this brief description of Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition, Joel expresses a little of what these conversations might offer.By Rabbi Jessica Minnen and Joel David Lesses

1
Mobilizing Jewish Outreach, Bringing A Person Closer To Wisdom: A Roundtable Discussion Of Rabbis Exploring Strengthening Jewish Commitment 46:37

6M ago46:37

46:37

In this panel discussion with four Rabbis from America's West Coast to Israel, Joel guides an exploration of mobilizing Jewish outreach (i.e., or 'inreach' or 'in reach') how to, why, and what Jewish tradition teaches and offers from a wide range of teachings including Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the Baal Shem Tov. This collection of dedic…

1
A Jewish Means To Vanquish Darkness, Lighting Shabbas Candles: A Conversation With Torah Scholar Rabbi Heschel Greenberg 41:45

6M ago41:45

41:45

From The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, to the Ba'al Shem Tov, to Maimonides and Moses this discussion includes topics of the security of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel and how the Jewish people can fortify their existence and safety. Rabbi Greenberg and Joel examine the best Jewish responses to the terror attack October 7…

1
Part 2 Rabbis and Prophecy, Meditation, Judaism, and Mental Health: A Conversation With Reb Brian Yosef from Torah of Awakening 27:20

6M ago27:20

27:20

In Part 2 of this talk, Rabbi Brian Yosef and Joel talk about the second and third Portals of Awareness, as taught by Reb Brian. Feeling the breath, the relation of the many meanings of the Hebrew word 'Ruach:' spirit, wind, breath, and soul. The practical instructions of mystical teachings, awareness, and consciousness, meditation. 'I am this awar…

1
Part 1 Rabbis and Prophecy, Meditation, Judaism, and Mental Health: A Conversation With Reb Brian Yosef from Torah of Awakening 30:19

6M ago30:19

30:19

Part 1 of this talk, Rabbi Brian Yosef and Joel share thoughts and perspectives on Divine Providence, dreams, spiritual awakening, meditation, and the importance of how to integrate awakening experiences into our daily lives, in an enduring way. Also, seeing beyond our human conditioning into our deeper self, our Soul, and the intellect as a tool f…

1
'Where Do I Fit In?' An Examination of The People's Talmud, Judaism, Love and Hate, Antisemitism, and Human Unity: A Conversation with Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein from Jerusalem 50:14

6M ago50:14

50:14

Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein and Joel discuss a vast terrain of time and topics in Judaism, Judaism's relation to the World, and a Jew's responsibility and obligation to their community. Curiosity delving deeply into the Talmud and Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein's website 'The People's Talmud' (which is all in English). The People’s Talmud is not a translation o…

1
Transforming The Human Heart: A Talk With Rabbi Micha Odenheimer 46:41

6M ago46:41

46:41

During 2015 Joel spent two months in Nepal and spoke with the NGO Tevel B'Tzedek's Founder Micha Odenheimer about Judaism, globalization, poverty, and the Prophets of the Bible. Tevel's mission is to form education and bonds in rural communities of developing nations, to enrich communities through sharing and knowlege education and resources. This …

1
Generative Violence with Na'ama Carlin 57:56

11M ago57:56

57:56

In this episode, Eli and Max are joined by Dr. Na’ama Carlin to discuss her book Morality, Violence, and Ritual Circumcision. They talk about Dr. Carlin’s distinction between two types of violence: Manichaen violence, which is done by and to people; and generative violence, which helps to create identities." They discuss the contemporary circumcisi…

1
The Ethics of Neonatal Circumcision with Jeff Helmreich 37:25

11M ago37:25

37:25

In his second appearance on The Bruchim Podcast, Jeff presents his view on the ethics of circumcision, and Max and Eli respond with their own views on the matter. They discuss the right to bodily integrity, the right to self-determination, the differences and similarities between male and female genital cutting practices, and the possibility that c…

1
Ethics and Jewish Law Part III 48:14

11M ago48:14

48:14

In the third part of this series, Eli and Max are joined by the moral philosopher Jeff Helmreich. After Jeff gets up to speed on the conversation, he complicates matters by introducing a fifth option for the relationship between ethics and Jewish law. The group digs into the "Oven of Akhnai," a famous story from the Babylonian Talmud. Jeff then tal…

1
Ethics and Jewish Law Part II 37:34

12M ago37:34

37:34

In the second part of this series, Eli is joined by Bruchim’s Director of Education, Max DuBoff, to look at an essay by Rabbi Ethan Tucker that is directly relevant to the relationship between Ethics and Jewish law. After a brief introduction to Rabbi Tucker’s place in the Jewish world, they try to understand how Rabbi Tucker's view fits into the c…

1
Ethics and Jewish Law Part I 1:02:09

12M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Are Jewish law and ethics in conflict? Eli is joined by Max DuBoff, Bruchim's Director of Education, to explore this question. They begin by defining their terms and explaining what they mean by ethics and what they mean by halakha, Jewish law. Max then proposes four possible positions that one might take regarding the relationship between the two,…

1
As Yet Unscarred 23:24

1y ago23:24

23:24

In this episode, Eli is joined by Bruchim’s Executive Director Rebecca Wald. Rebecca talks about the decision not to circumcise her son and the consequences of that decision. Eli and Rebecca then discuss Rebecca's website Beyond the Bris and how it became one of the premier Jewish websites on the subject of circumcision. They also talk about Rebecc…

1
Value in Stuff That Has Endured with Mark Oppenheimer 53:02

1y ago53:02

53:02

In this episode, Eli is joined by Bruchim’s Director of Education Max DuBoff and Jewish journalist Mark Oppenheimer. This episode was recorded two days after Hamas’s October 7th attack against Israel so the conversation starts with reactions to the news. The discussion then moves to the role of antisemitism in Jewish-American identity, the importan…

1
Belonging 33:43

1y ago33:43

33:43

In this episode, Eli is joined by Bruchim’s President, Lisa Braver Moss. Lisa discusses her regret after circumcising her two boys, and how this catalyzed a lifetime of activism about Jewish circumcision. She also reflects on writing a novel about circumcision and a book of ceremonies for alternative baby welcoming ceremonies, also called brit shal…

1
A Complicated Complication with Gary Shteyngart 50:15

1y ago50:15

50:15

In this episode, Gary Shteyngart joins Eli to talk about growing up as an immigrant and his memories of being circumcised at the age of seven. He talks about "the very painful complications from his circumcision which have haunted him as an adult." Gary talks about the decision to tell his story to the New Yorker, the reception of his article, and …

1
Jews Opposed to Circumcision? 29:41

1y ago29:41

29:41

Welcome to the Bruchim Podcast! For our first episode, host Eli Ungar-Sargon is joined by Max Buckler, Bruchim’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and a bioethics researcher. They discuss: Is it a contradiction for a Jew to be opposed to circumcision? And what's the basis of Jewish identity? They also talk about the need for an organization like Br…

1
Season One Trailer 0:55

1y ago0:55

0:55

Welcome to The Bruchim Podcast! The only podcast in the world dedicated to Jews who think differently about circumcision.By Bruchim

1
Mezuzahs in the Ghetto 13:51

2+ y ago13:51

13:51

Did the homes in the ghetto require a mezuzah?By Shimon Blau, MD

1
Use of Electric Lights for Shabbos Candles 5:24

2+ y ago5:24

5:24

May one use electric lights as Shabbos candles in the ghetto?By Shimon Blau, MD

1
Pidyon Haben/Redemption of a First-Born Son with a Missing Father 12:43

2+ y ago12:43

12:43

With regards to a first-born son with an absent father, who may perform the mitzvah of pidyon haben, redeeming the first-born son?By Shimon Blau, MD

1
Circumcision by a Nonreligious Jew 14:07

3y ago14:07

14:07

A young man raised in an assimilated home wishes to undergo a circumcision in the Kovno ghetto. Can a nonreligious doctor perform this procedure? This is a question which applies even today with regards to many men who have had circumcisions performed by either non Jewish doctors or nonreligious mohels. Here is Rabbi Oshry's response.…

1
Reciting the HaGomel Blessing in the Ghetto 11:35

3y ago11:35

11:35

Should someone in the ghetto recite the special blessing of HaGomel, which is said when saved from a dangerous situation, when they are spared from being rounded up by the Nazis?By Shimon Blau, MD

1
Suicide in the Ghetto 28:20

3y ago28:20

28:20

Can someone in the ghetto commit suicide to avoid having to witness the murder of his family? A heartbreaking question, a dubious source, and a not-so-simple answer.By Shimon Blau, MD