Shayne JD Cohen presents an in-depth study of the question “why are Jewish women not circumcised?” » Throughout the book he examines this question in different ways. He writes this book in the hope of informing and educating curious minds such as academics and laypeople. Furthermore, he states that "in this book I am interested not only in the history of Jewish circumcision but also, and perhaps even more, in the history of Jewishness." (Cohen, p. xii) In other words, Cohen presents the reader not only with the history of the issue, but also with the history of Jews and Christians. Overall, Shayne JD Cohen raises the issue of gender within Judaism when he asks the question, also known by the book's title, "Why aren't Jewish women circumcised?" » The book is divided into two distinct parts. Part I consisting of the first four chapters and the second part of the book, Cohen delves deeper into his investigation and discusses four different Jewish responses to the frequently asked question regarding circumcision. Let's start with the first part of this book. It contains four connected chapters that present the history of male circumcision; it also examines whether or not Jewish women were ever circumcised. Cohen goes on to present the Christian arguments against circumcision based on the elimination of women. Additionally, it explores why rabbinic sages decided to ignore the problem of banning women from this ritual. Furthermore, Cohen also explains that medieval rabbinical scholars addressed the issue rather than ignoring it. In the first chapter, Cohen discusses intentional and involuntary circumcision procedures, as well as surgical procedures. He explains that... middle of paper ... circumcision of Jewish men and women is quite colossal. There is no Jewish text which indicates that a Jew who refuses to be circumcised ceases to be Jewish. “Such a Jew, of course, is a sinner, perhaps an apostate, but no authoritative legal text had excluded such a Jew from Judaism…” (Cohen, p. 210) Additionally, the circumcision debate is far from over. Cohen's book, "Why Jewish Women Are Not Circumcised," published in 2005, proved to be a popular read among students. The book, based primarily on research, presents the history of circumcision, as well as the Judeo-Christian debate surrounding the issue. Furthermore, Cohen's book does not appear to support any particular argument; however, it provides a comprehensive review of the literature that examines circumcision from a specific perspective..