# Conversion to Judaism - circumcision for circumcised men? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 31, 2002, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878 "2002-12-31T15:58:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/1 "2002-12-31T15:58:36Z")
If a circumcised man wants to convert to Judaism, does he need to be circumcised (or at least cut) again? I’ve heard both yes and no - does it vary by synagogue? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/2 "2002-12-31T16:13:42Z")
If he converts to Reform Judaism, he’s good to go. Haj ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/3 "2002-12-31T16:17:55Z")
In Orthodox Judaism, they will do what is called _hatafas dam bris_, which will basically entail a pinprick and a small drop of blood. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/4 "2002-12-31T16:21:31Z")
BTW, in Reform Judaism, if you are _not_ circumcised, some rabbis will let you get away with just a _hatafas dam bris_. Haj ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/5 "2002-12-31T16:25:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by zev\_steinhardt \* > \*\*In Orthodox Judaism, they will do what is called _hatafas dam bris_, which will basically entail a pinprick and a small drop of blood. > > Zev Steinhardt \*\* My friend’s husband converted Reform and had the _Hatafat dam brit_ done. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/6 "2002-12-31T17:20:59Z")
> [@](#): > > which will basically entail a pinprick Needless no say, no pun intended. ;j ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/7 "2002-12-31T17:28:48Z")
**Zev** , is there a big party for a _hatafas dam bris_ like there is for an infant’s _bris_? Like having family and friends in theroom? Or is it just you and the rabbi? Oy! ---
**Author:** ![BeatenMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ab097/32.png) [@BeatenMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeatenMan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/8 "2002-12-31T18:14:50Z")
Let me give you a “tip” don’t do it! ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/9 "2002-12-31T18:42:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by zev\_steinhardt \* > \*\*In Orthodox Judaism, they will do what is called _hatafas dam bris_, which will basically entail a pinprick and a small drop of blood. \*\* …because circumcision alone just doesn’t cut it. Haj ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2002, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/10 "2002-12-31T18:45:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EJsGirl \* > \*\ ***Zev** , is there a big party for a _hatafas dam bris_ like there is for an infant’s _bris_? Like having family and friends in theroom? Or is it just you and the rabbi? > > Oy! \*\* I’ve never been to one, so I really couldn’t say. Personally speaking, while maybe a semi-public party (friends and family) _might_ be called for for a reception, I certainly wouldn’t want anyone unnecessary at the actual procedure. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![rackensack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@rackensack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rackensack)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/11 "2003-01-01T05:32:33Z")
I converted under the supervision of a Conservative rabbi, so anything I say should be taken as applicable only to that movement (and probably not even universally within that movement). In my case, the _hatafat dam brit_ took place the same day as my appearance before the _bet din_, the rabbinical court that convenes to interview the prospective convert as one of the final steps toward conversion. Since my rabbi’s Conservative synagogue did not have a _mikvah_ of its own, the _bet din_ convened at a Traditional synagogue across town. The _hatafat dam brit_ was the first order of business. The services of a _mohel_ who happened to also be a physician were engaged for the purpose. The standard procedure for this rabbi and _mohel_ is that the convert and the _mohel_ alone are present for the act itself; the _mohel_ draws a drop of blood using a syringe, the drop of blood being then transferred to a gauze pad and then shown to the rabbi. The _mohel_ and I adjourned to the shower area for the _mikvah_, where I proceded to drop trou with my back to the wall. At this point, things became difficult. Apparently, the rural physician who’d performed my infant circumcision thirty-odd years before in Arkansas hadn’t been up to the _mohel’s_ standards, and there was some question in the _mohel’s_ mind about the validity of the job. He determined that he need to consult with the rabbi, who was duly summoned, and compelled to examine the evidence himself. You haven’t really lived until you’ve come into a shower room with another guy who’s got a syringe he plans to stick in your penis to draw a drop of blood (which is bad enough), only to have to drag a rabbi in to discuss and debate the theological implications of the state of said member. I maintain to this day that I was in fact the most unsettled of the trio, but I concede that neither the rabbi nor the _mohel_ appeared to be much enjoying themselves either. Eventually, the rabbi declared himself satisfied of my qualifications, and we were able to proceed with what was supposed to have been the painful part. Next, came the appearance before the _bet din_, consisting of my rabbi and two other Conservative rabbis. There was a certain initial awkwardness, since during the whole _hatafat dam brit_ episode they’d been kept waiting longer than they’d expected, and at one point my rabbi had excused himself from our little conclave in the shower room to consult with his colleagues. After getting past that, we discussed my motives for converting, my understanding of what that meant, the reaction of my family and others around me, and so forth. Idly, the thought crossed my mind that it’d be a heck of a note for them to decide I wasn’t up to snuff after what I’d already voluntarily been through that day, but in fact the members of a _bet din_ generally assume that none of their colleagues will bring a prospective convert before them who’s not able to pass muster. Anyway, after what turned out to be a pleasant and rewarding conversation between the rabbis and myself, I proceeded to the _mikvah_, did the dip, and then met up again with the rabbis and my fiancee for the final formalities (bestowing of my Hebrew name, the rabbis signing a certificate that I had completed the expected steps to formally accept for myself the covenantal obligations of Jews, etc). Altogether a much lower-key affair than the typical _bris_, though not without a certain drama of its own. ---
**Author:** ![Gairloch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@Gairloch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gairloch)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/12 "2003-01-01T06:54:07Z")
What do you call an uncircumcised Jewish baby? A girl. I’m sorry, but I hardly ever get to tell that joke . . . Gairloch ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/13 "2003-01-01T21:22:42Z")
Jeez **rackensack** , what a day! Sure was a lot more interesting than my Methodist confirmation! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![rackensack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@rackensack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rackensack)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2003, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/14 "2003-01-01T23:03:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EJsGirl \* > \*\*Jeez **rackensack** , what a day! Sure was a lot more interesting than my Methodist confirmation! > > 😃 \*\* Mine too! (I was raised Methodist). ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/15 "2003-01-02T00:25:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by rackensack \* > \*\*…did the dip… \*\* Whazzat? ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/16 "2003-01-02T01:38:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rysdad \* > \*\*Whazzat? \*\* Converts to Judaism are required to immerse in a _mikveh_ (ritual bath). Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![Cessandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cessandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cessandra)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/17 "2003-01-02T01:49:17Z")
Like a baptism? ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/18 "2003-01-02T02:11:36Z")
Full immersion, or just a splash? ---
**Author:** ![rackensack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@rackensack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rackensack)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/19 "2003-01-02T03:08:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rysdad \* > \*\*Full immersion, or just a splash? \*\* Full immersion, fully nude, in the presence of witnesses (in my case, the members of the _bet din_, in a special facility built for the purpose typically. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2003, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878/20 "2003-01-02T03:33:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cmkeller \* > \*\*Needless no say, no pun intended. ;j \*\* > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Jerry Seinfeld_ > > **Jerry** : I wanted to talk to you about Dr. Whatley. I have a suspicion that he’s converted to Judaism just for the jokes. > **Father** : And this offends you as a Jewish person. > **Jerry** : No, it offends me as a comedian. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversion-to-judaism-circumcision-for-circumcised-men/145878.md?page=2)