HOLISTIC CIRCUMCISION FOR NON-JEWS

An explanation designed to enhance the appreciation and understanding of holistic circumcision.

HOSPITAL/DOCTOR CIRCUMCISION vs. HOLISTIC CIRCUMCISION
HOSPITAL/DOCTOR CIRCUMCISION

• 10 - 30 minutes
• Baby strapped down
• Injection
• See one, do one, teach one
• Clinical and cold
• In the hospital/Dr.’s office
• Parents generally not present

HOLISTIC CIRCUMCISION

• 15 - 30 seconds
• Baby held by warm, loving hands
• No drugs or injections — topical anesthetic optional
• 20+ years experience and more than 6,000 procedures performed
• Spiritual and meaningful
• Loved ones encouraged to be present

F.A.Q.s
Q: Why is there so much anxiety associated with a circumcision?
A: Most of the anxiety is due to a fear of the unknown. Becoming knowledgeable about holistic circumcision can allay the natural anxiety parents feel when planning a circumcision for their son. Much of the anxiety comes from what parents learn in childbirth classes about the circumcision technique performed in the hospitals, a much more painful and invasive procedure often lasting 10 to 30 minutes. With my specialized technique, one need not worry as our procedure takes less than 20 seconds and is performed, as required by Jewish law, with minimal discomfort to the baby.

Q: Is it true that the 8th day is the best day to perform the circumcision?
A: Ideally, a circumcision of a healthy baby should be done on the 8th day or later. This is because the “clotting factors” reach their peak starting from day eight. Because my technique is much more rapid and involves minimal discomfort to the baby, it is possible to perform the procedure up to 3 or 4 months old should it be necessary.

Q: Why should parents want or need to use a Mohel to perform a circumcision?
A: A mohel is a person who is specially trained in the medical and surgical techniques of circumcision. In addition to being an expert in his field, the mohel is also a Rabbi who is spiritually in touch with the miracle of birth and performs the circumcision not simply as a medical procedure, but as a holistic and spiritual act bonding parent and child. It is important to choose a Mohel with whom you feel comfortable, someone who will be accommodating to the specific needs of the family. Pediatricians, obstetricians and urologists constantly marvel at the work of a good mohel.

Q: How much pain does a baby feel?
A: This is the most important and frequently asked question of me. As a Mohel, who is judged every day by the sounds the baby makes both during and after the circumcision, it is one that I do not take lightly. The “success” of a Mohel is generally judged in three areas: 1. The baby’s comfort during and after the circumcision; 2. The Mohel’s “bedside” manner; and 3. The Pediatrician’s evaluation of the circumcision.

Many studies have been performed to try to ascertain how much pain the baby feels. I myself participated in one that measured the difference in the baby’s discomfort level when the hospital/doctor techniques were used in comparison with the technique that I use. The results were startling. There were signs of minimal discomfort with my technique and severe discomfort with the standard medical techniques. This is because the Mohel is a specialist and will possess much more experience than most doctors. A doctor will strap the baby down on a molded plastic bodyboard placed on a table, use a very painful clamp (Plasti-bell or GOMCO) and the procedure may take up to twenty minutes or longer. Instead, I place the baby on a soft, comfortable pillow and do not strap him down. The instrument I use to perform the circumcision is not the same instrument used by a doctor. It is much more efficient with better results. Most importantly, a procedure should never take more than 20 seconds.

There are topical creams, ointments and penile blocks that are available. As a Mohel with the technical expertise to perform adult circumcisions, as well as infants, I am able to use them but they all have drawbacks when used on a newborn baby that far out weigh any benefit. I would be happy to discuss the pros and cons with you. I do use a special numbing agent following the circumcision. The overwhelming percentage of babies stop crying as soon as I replace the diaper and pick them up.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Before, During & After Your Baby’s Circumcision
THINGS TO BE PREPARED FOR THE CIRCUMCISION

• 25 3” x 3” gauze pads
• 2 tubes antibiotic ointment
• Baby Tylenol (optional) or homeopathic pain relief ie. Arnica

DAY OF CIRCUMCISION — PRIOR TO THE CIRCUMCISION

• Do not soak or use ointments, creams or lotions on circumcision area; sponge bath is o.k.
• Last feeding should be within the hour before the circumcision.
• Dress baby in clothing which maybe opened from the bottom and wrap baby in receiving blanket.

DAY OF CIRCUMCISION — AFTER THE CIRCUMCISION

• Apply antibiotic ointment on gauze and place on top of area at each diaperchange.
• Baby may lay in any position that seems comfortable (even on stomach).
• If baby is uncomfortable, you may give 1/2-dropperful (.4 ml) of liquid infant Tylenol or Arnica.

DAY AFTER THE CIRCUMCISION

• Use antibiotic ointment on gauze over circumcision area at each diaper change for the next 2-3 days.
• The redness will subside in a few days; a soft, light-colored healing scab-tissue may form for several days. This is normal.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me any time at 800.85.MOHEL

TESTIMONIALS
"As a longstanding surgeon and the father of four sons, I feel I am qualified to comment on the skill, professionalism and personality of Rabbi Michael Rovinsky who recently performed the circumcision of our first grandson. In a word, he is outstanding: technically superb and emotionally and spiritually warm and impressive. It was our privilege to have him conduct our service . . ."
- Joel Cooper, M.D.

“. . . your kindness and ease to work with is very much appreciated and how you worked with us to insure that it happened . . .”  - Doug W.

“. . . thank you for performing the cicumcision on our son Joseph Anthony. As you promised, he barely made a sound all afternoon. I also wanted to tell you that I appreciated your wit, you were quite refreshing . . .”
-  Joe M.

MICHAEL ROVINSKY
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky is a certified Mohel, recognized by the State of Israel. Practicing since 1988, he has performed over 6000 circumcisions and serves as a consultant for doctors, midwives, and other Mohels from around the country. He apprenticed as a Mohel under the guidance and training of Rabbi Moshe Rappaport, a leading Mohel on the east coast. He received additional training at Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital in dealing with unusual and more complex circumcisions as well as adult circumcisions. Rabbi Rovinsky holds two Rabbinic ordinations, a Bachelors and Masters degree in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel and a Masters in Administrative Sciences from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Counseling.

Rabbi “Mike”, as he is affectionately known, is involved in many aspects of Jewish education and communal youth work. He is the director of NCSY and JSU, two organizations that provide spiritual, ethical and moral guidance for youth in grades 5-12, and an educator for the Florence Melton Adult Education Program. He is a highly sought after speaker for religious and secular organizations throughout the Midwest. Rabbi Rovinsky began his circumcision practice in Baltimore Maryland. Prior to relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, Rabbi Rovinsky resided in Dallas, Texas where he developed and continues to maintain a large practice for non-Jews, seeking an alternative and holistic circumcision method for their newborn sons with weekly trips to the Dallas area. He currently serves the clients of close to 100 midwives and doctors around the country.

Rabbi Rovinsky travels throughout the United States making circumcision a heartwarming and meaningful experience for many families. Rabbi Rovinsky along with his wife Selina are the proud parents of five children.