Type 2 Rabbis

What happens when religious tradition collides with modern medicine? In one of the strangest—and most controversial—public health crises in recent history, New York City saw an outbreak of herpes linked to traditional circumcision rituals performed by Hasidic mohels.

In this episode of Lesser Known People, we dive deep into how an ancient practice led to a modern medical scandal, the public outrage, and the attempts at regulation that followed.

In certain sects of Orthodox and Hasidic Judaism, the ritual of metzitzah b’peh (MBP) is performed during circumcision. This practice involves the mohel (religious circumciser) using oral suction to remove blood from the wound. While deeply rooted in tradition, it has been scientifically linked to the transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)—a potentially deadly infection for newborns.

According to NYC health officials, multiple babies have been infected over the years, with severe complications, hospitalizations, and even deaths linked to this practice.

Even after years of debate, multiple cases, and intense media scrutiny, the practice continues in some communities, keeping the risk alive. The battle between public health and religious autonomy remains one of the most heated bioethical debates in modern NYC history.

How far should government go in regulating religious practices? Is tradition worth the risk? We break it all down in this episode of LKP—with our signature mix of hard facts and inappropriate jokes.