Being an uncircumcised man in Israel

Published: 5 July 2022

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Ron reckons it’s a sexual advantage, Dan finds it embarrassing, Andrey says most women don’t notice

Circumcision, knows as Brit Milah, has been part of Jewish tradition since antiquity. The subject is repeatedly debated from religious and health aspects, while secular parents often face the to-cut-or-not-to-cut dilemma. But no one ever talks about how it affects sex.

Does one tiny little piece of skin change sexual sensation? Does it affect sex and relationships?

“A lot of girls I’ve dated told me that it’s a 180° difference. I’m not saying that because I’m so good in bed,” Ron, 33, single from Tel Aviv claims. "There’s a physiological explanation.”

Dan, 24, from Or Yehuda, feels far less positive. He moved to Israel with his family from Novosibrisk, Russia. He tells us that his parents’ decision to not circumcise him when he was a baby greatly affected his masculinity.

"My sexual development was very much influenced by not having a Brit Mila like everyone else. I lacked confidence. I became addicted to porn because I was too embarrassed to tell girls I wasn’t circumcised.”

Andrey, 26, a medical student from Ashdod, made Aliyah to Be'er Sheva from Belarus with his family at the age of five. A Brit Milah for him wasn’t important and he treats the matter with ease, saying that being uncircumcised has never made him feel uncomfortable.

“I’m a very open person. In the military, the first time in the communal showers, I shouted out, 'Who wants to see an unchopped penis?' Everyone burst out laughing – and they were curious too. It’s about attitude. Most of the women I’ve slept with haven’t even noticed. I do remember when I was younger wondering what was wrong, and why was mine different. I think the first time most people see their friends’ penises is in the army, when you have a certain degree of maturity.”