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From: schechte@csd2.UUCP (asher schechter)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Ben Niddah, Milah and Sex Detection
Message-ID: <3780018@csd2.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 2-Mar-85 22:35:00 EST
Article-I.D.: csd2.3780018
Posted: Sat Mar  2 22:35:00 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 5-Mar-85 02:27:32 EST
Organization: New York University
Lines: 18


The source for the fact that a ben niddah is not a mamzer is from
yebomas 49 and kidushin 68. The halacha is brought down in Rambam
[hilchot issuray biah 15 1] and in Shulchan Aruch [Even H'ezer 4 13].


A milah performed properly by a nonjew is kosher [Avoda Zora  26 ]
(however there may be a problem if the nonjew is not trustworthy
and a competent Rabbi should be consulted ,and of course it is better
to have a jewish mohel)

The reason jews don't detect the sex of a fetus is because it requires
an unnecessary wound ("chavala") which is not allowed according to 
halacha. It is only permissible to perform an operation if the patient
needs it for his/her health. Even cosmetic surgery may sometimes be
assur according to halacha (of course a Rabbi should be consulted).

                                           Asher Schechter