October 30th, 1997

To the honorable Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Lao Israel Meir Shlita
And to all the organizers of this great Mitzva in the Rabbinate of Israel.

Re: Brit Milah to newly arrived immigrant Jews in the medical clinic of Jerusalem

After careful research on the subject of Brit Milah with the head of the department of circumcisions, Rabbi Avraham Babayof Shlita, I want to endorse the holy activities of Brit Yosef Yitzchak, and the international executive director, Rabbi Yaron Amit, whom I have known for many years. They have been performing Brit Milah for new immigrants from the Soviet Union, and I can personally testify that their work is done in complete faith and trust.


Distinguished Rabbis personally familiar with the activities of this organization and its founder, referred them to me. I can attest to the reliability of their background checks to verify Jewishness for the purpose of Brit Milah. Many city rabbis and I recommend them highly for their great work.

Furthermore, since we accept the validity of a marriage performed by a rabbi in a city other than his own, we can certainly rely upon their verification of Jewishness for Brit Milah, which is easier to ascertain than candidates for marriage.

And there is no doubt in my mind that the rabbi would want to perform this most essential Mitzvah without delay, for postponement might arouse doubt amongst those who are about to undergo Brit Milah.

I am personally demanding that all of the Board of Health offices help the organization “Brit Yosef Yitzchak” in any way possible. I would also like to emphasize our responsibility to assist this organization to grow and expand their services and encourage any Jew who has not yet been circumcised in the covenant of Avraham Avinu.

Sincerely,

Ovadia Yossef
President of Torah Sages Council

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