Q&A: Circumcision and Morality
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Circumcision and Morality
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I saw your debate with Yaron Yadan.
At the end he asked what would happen if a liberal state came to the conclusion that ritual slaughter according to Jewish law is immoral and cruel, and you answered him that we simply would not eat meat.
There is a sharper question, one that is not a case of “passive omission”—regarding circumcision. It is clear that this is cruel, and it is a commandment that requires positive action.
What will you do if the state decides that circumcision is forbidden?
Answer
What is the question? I would have to circumcise in violation of the law. By the way, the difference is not between passive omission and positive action, but between something that is forbidden and something that is permitted.