All in all, there's been entirely too much fear mongering about keeping Jewish babies intact --about the possibility that the boys might be rejected in Jewish life as they grow.

Virtually every Reform rabbi I interviewed said that non-circumcising families were welcome, that he or she would perform a brit shalom ceremony if asked, and that he or she would allow the boy to be bar mitzvah'ed.

"Circumcision is much better medically," the woman opined, rattling off the standard points. "Fewer urinary tract infections, less cervical cancer in the female partners, and just more...well, aesthetically pleasing. And did you know that the World Health Organization."

I waited until she came up for air, then spoke matter-of-factly. "You know," I said, "there are Jewish parents who have all the information that you're referring to -- and they come to a different conclusion."

"Oh!"