[MLUG - DISCUSSION] [POLITICS][RELIGION] metzitzah b'peh

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

"Metzitzah b'peh" is a ritual sucking of a baby boys penis after 
circumcision by a "mohel."  The idea is to clean the penis by sucking 
blood from it.  Anyway, it might not be as good of an idea as it seems:

http://news.google.com/news?q=%22metzitzah+b%27peh%22

Apparently, a Jewish text says something like this:

   http://www.sexuallymutilatedchild.org/mohel.htm

   The Mishnah, Shabbath 19:2

   They may perform on the Sabbath all things that are needful for
   circumcision: excision, tearing, sucking the penis, and putting thereon
   a bandage and cumin. If this had not been pounded up on the eve of the
   Sabbath a man may chew it with his teeth and then apply it.

Though many Jews believe that a medical suction tool of some sort should 
be used instead of a man's mouth, some others disagree and prefer to rely 
on their ancient text to tell them how to live even though their children 
may become sick or even killed.  Ah, the wonders of religion!

Mike

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