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I would like to convert, but I am already circumcised...

By Menachem Posner

Question:

I understand that circumcision is an integral part of the conversion process. I would like to convert, but I am already circumcised...

Answer:

Assuming that the prospective convert has been properly circumcised, a second circumcision is obviously impossible. However, the previous circumcision isn't "valid" for circumcision purposes, as it was not done with the intent of fulfilling the Jewish commandment of brit milah.

Instead, some blood is symbolically drawn from the circumcision area, constituting a "second" circumcision.

Yours truly,

Rabbi Menachem Posner

4 Comments

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:

Posted: Jan 4, 2011

drawing blood from a circumcised male

Is this a pin prick or small scatch?

Posted By Anonymous, Brighton, UK

Posted: Oct 29, 2009

2nd Circumcision; my dad might be Jewish.

My mom was born Jewish in Greece, and my dad was born Gentile in the U.S.A. They are no longer married, but when they did marry in the 1950s, they had 2 ceremonies. One was a civil ceremony in the United States. The other one was in Greece. In those days, there was no such thing as a secular wedding in Greece, so theirs was a Jewish wedding. Before the wedding, my dad had to go through the process described by Rabbi Posner. My dad doesn't call himself Jewish, and he doesn't remember if he got a certificate, but my mom thinks he must have received one for the Rabbi to bless their marriage. So I think my dad may be Jewish whether he likes it or not!

Posted By Rob W. , Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: Feb 12, 2008

RE: partial circumcision

The terms used in the medical community may differ from those used in Jewish Law. I would therefore advise you to bring this up with the Beis Din who will be performing your conversion.

Posted By Menachem Posner

Posted: Feb 12, 2008

Partial circumcision

I am considering conversion, and I have had a partial circumcision (at birth). Would I only need the blood drawn to fulfill brit milah?

Posted By Anonymous, Columbus, Ohio

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