From Abraham to America: A History of Jewish Circumcision is a comprehensive overview of Jewish circumcision throughout history. Beginning with Genesis, the book traces paradoxes and tensions in the biblical and Jewish rite as seen both within Judaism and from the dominant, non-Jewish culture. The book ends by analyzing the current debate over Jewish and routine medical circumcision in America. This book is essential reading in Jewish studies, medical sociology, and Judaic studies/theology. One review called it “A remarkable, stimulating and wide-ranging study of Jewish circumcision…This book is a must-read for professionals practicing in the Jewish community as well as scholars of Judaism and religious studies.” Another said: “Silverman’s book demystifies much of the meaning and context of circumcision by delivering a comprehensive and intricate analysis of this Jewish practice….A vast bibliography, insightful references, additional layers of anthropological, theological and political analyses, spiced with mythological stories as well as a good portion of humor.” To purchase the book through Amazon or Rowman & Littlefield Press.
