Ceremony for Baby

On the 8th day our little William had his circumcision performed.    Noah's was done in the hospital shortly after birth per hospital protocol, but the physician made a mistake and our pediatrician encouraged us to have it redone when he was older and could withstand the anesthesia.  So, at 8 months old...we did.  Needless-to-say, this time around we all were a little more gun shy.

The other issue was that since William was born at home, we had to find a doctor who would be willing to perform the circumcision on the 8th day.  The 8th being special because that is when God told believers to do it in the scriptures, a covenant He made with Abraham.  Incidentally, in more scientific observations this is also when a newborn has produced enough vitamin K to help blood clotting.  Newborns 12 hours old can have inadequate K and run the risk of excess bleeding...hence one of the reasons the synthetic vitamin K shot is routinely given shortly after birth.  The K shot is not without it's risks with links to leukemia, plus the adjuvents in the shot makes it a potentially toxic brew.  However, it takes a mother willing to nurse her baby in order to stimulate the K production naturally as it's the good gut bacteria from the milk which produces the K.  Also, many have observed faster healing and less pain with circumcision by waiting until the 8th day.

Circumcision in itself is a controversial topic in many societal circles, especially in holistic groups.  Some think that's it's a form  of genital mutilation and have even gone so far as to outlaw it in places like San Francisco.  Interestingly, throughout history it has undergone periods of outlaw, specifically by those in power who persecuted the Jewish people for their monotheistic beliefs.  Following food laws, holy days, circumcision were all worship practices that have become forbidden at times and those found practicing could be put to death.  Sadly, it looks like many of those views of history are coming full circle again with these movements of outlawing circumcision, making it illegal in areas to put into practice a religious belief.

When circumcision is "en vogue" it's interesting to note the coincidence with the medical literature.  Once recommended as a routine procedure by many arms of the medical profession (American Academy of Pediatrics especially) as a way to help reduce the incidence of penile cancers, urinary tract infections and STDs, when unpopular these "studies" are then conveniently retracted or new findings said to be "insignificant" in prevention.  As of 2011, AAP is currently NOT recommending it as a routine medical procedure but one that is strictly voluntary by parents and then mostly for religious beliefs.

Personally, I tend to err on what God says since he's the same yesterday, today and forever and if HE recommends it...then I believe he had good reason to do so...even if science tends to be wishy-washy on the issue.  Leaving the decision of whether or not to circumcise up to a grown man seems a bit cruel as how many adult men would want to be faced with that decision!  Also, a nurse friend of mine said that you can look at elderly men in nursing homes and see the better genital health in those who were circumcised.   Religiously, I believe it is a sign of obedience and something that honors God.  Kind of like us parents who tell our children to obey because "we said so"!

One of the congregations we've been attending this year has a  messianic Pastor (we call him Rabbi Mike ..."rabbi" meaning teacher) who offered to put us in touch with a physician who he uses for 8th day circumcision.  UNfortuntately, this same doctor ended up being on vacation the week I delivered.  So the scramble was on to find someone else who would be willing not only to do it on the 8th, but on a weekend as well!  Since Will was born on a Sabbath and most doctors will not come in the office on a weekend, we were really in a pinch.  Joe spoke with Rabbi Mike daily in hopes of nailing down someone, but it came down to the wire and so on that Friday he called FINALLY with a confirmed physician time and location.  However, I was less than at peace with the situation as I knew nothing about this person who would be working on my newborn.  Joe, being very matter-of-fact about the whole deal and just grateful to find someone didn't ask the pertinent questions that were on my mind about this persons qualifications, etc.  and with my post pardom hormones raging out of control I was worried that we were scraping the bottom of the barrel for doctors... and NOT wanting the hospital orderly doing it!  So, I call Rabbi and he reassured me that no one would be playing amature night on my son, ha!  He then put me in touch with the nurse at the hospital who lined up the doctor.  Nurse Hannah also attends our congregation so I at least knew her and she answered all my questions satisfactorily.  She even said the magic words "miracle" in that it was a miracle that this doctor was working THAT night...AND willing to do it.  So, my fears were calmed as I knew that God was indeed in control AND that he wanted the procedure to take place that night.

Rabbi met us and we caravaned over to the hospital where the physician met us in the lobby.  He took us to his office so that we could by-pass admissions.  He was such a kind man, very calm and when I asked him how many circumcisions he had performed he coolly answered "thousands".  Whew...definitely not an amature! Rabbi brought his book of blessings and recited them while the procedure was being done.  My in-laws who had been with us the that week also came as they had never witnessed an 8th day ceremony. 

It was a beautiful time, the circumcision was over before we knew it...even though I couldn't watch.  William cried some, but we think it was more from being restrained.  Rabbi told us to bring some Manischewitz so we could soak it in gauze and let him suck on it before the procedure to help him relax.  I took that advice as well and gladly sampled a glass myself!   He was also given his hebrew name Chiam Levi (pronounced Kiam) after the ceremony.

The next day, the congregation held a special blessing for our family during the Torah reading.  They also held a reception in William's honor during Oneg with a personalized cake.  We were made to feel very special...many thanks to all who were there!!

William has healed wonderfully and at 12 days old it's obvious that he's doing just fine.  We are glad to have the birth and circumcision behind us as we look forward to a bright future for our little guy.