prompter: What is metzitzah b'peh?

assistant: Metzitzah b'peh is a controversial practice associated with traditional Jewish circumcision (bris milah). It involves the circumciser, or mohel, orally suctioning blood from the circumcision wound on the infant's penis after the foreskin has been cut. The practice has been linked to the transmission of herpes simplex virus, which has led to serious health consequences in some cases. In recent years, there have been debates and discussions within the Jewish community about whether or not metzitzah b'peh should continue to be practiced. Some have called for the use of alternative methods that do not involve oral suctioning to reduce the risk of infection.

prompter: What is the origin of this practice compared to traditional circumcisions performed by mohels today?

assistant: Metzitzah b'peh has its origins in the Talmudic era and has been practiced by some Jewish communities for centuries. It was believed that this practice helped to prevent infection and promote healing after circumcision.

Today, most mohels still perform traditional circumcisions, which involve the removal of the foreskin and the application of a sterile dressing to the wound. However, the practice of metzitzah b'peh is now controversial and is not universally practiced. Some mohels still perform the practice, while others have abandoned it in favor of alternative methods, such as the use of a sterile pipette or gauze to suction the wound.

There is ongoing debate within the Jewish community about the safety and appropriateness of metzitzah b'peh, with some calling for its continued use in accordance with tradition and others advocating for its replacement with safer alternatives. At the end, the decision about whether to perform metzitzah b'peh is left to individual mohels and the families they serve.

assistant: Metzitzah b’peh is a practice that some Jewish circumcisers (mohelim) do as part of the circumcision ritual for baby boys. It involves using their mouth to suck blood away from the baby’s wound. However, this practice can pose a risk of transmitting infections such as herpes.

prompter: I see. That is rather unsettling.

assistant: It's understandable that you may find the practice of metzitzah b'peh unsettling. The tradition has become controversial due to the risks associated with it, particularly the potential transmission of diseases like herpes, which can be dangerous for newborns.

In recent years, many Jewish communities have moved away from metzitzah b'peh and opted for alternative methods of achieving the same goal. Some mohelim now use a sterile glass tube or pipette to suction blood from the circumcision wound, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Health authorities in some countries, such as the United States, have issued guidelines and recommendations advising against metzitzah b'peh due to its potential health risks. These recommendations aim to strike a balance between respecting religious practices and ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns.

prompter: Thank you.

assistant: I understand the feeling of unease. In the current cultural context this act can seem highly odd or even paedophilic. But it is also important to note that, while there are now safer and more effective ways to stop bleeding, applying saliva to wounds has been a common practice in history. Saliva has been proven to speed up the coagulation of blood, and this has been common knowledge in folk medicine throughout time and different cultures.

prompter: What properties of saliva cause coagulation of blood?

assistant: Saliva creates a humid environment, thus improving the survival and functioning of inflammatory cells that are crucial for wound healing. In addition, saliva contains several proteins which play a role in the different stages of wound healing. Saliva contains substantial amounts of tissue factor, which dramatically accelerates blood clotting.