What is metzitzah b'peh?
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.