Kansas City Welcomes Its First Female Mohel

In a historic first for Kansas City’s Jewish community, Dr. Tiffany Simpson, a local physician, has been certified as a mohel, becoming the city’s first female ritual circumciser and one of the few in the U.S. Midwest.

Her certification addresses a critical shortage of mohels, offering relief to Jewish families who previously faced challenges accessing timely brit milah ceremonies.Until now, Kansas City relied on just two mohels, Dr. Daniel Gershon and Rabbi Shneur Furman, forcing many families to travel long distances or hire out-of-town mohels to perform circumcisions according to Jewish law.

Dr. Simpson’s new role ensures greater availability for this sacred ritual, which holds deep religious significance. Rabbanit Stephanie Kreimer of B’nai Yehuda congregation championed Simpson’s training. “Having a skilled, certified female mohel in our community is a game-changer,” Kreimer said.

Beyond her medical expertise, Simpson underwent rigorous training in the halachic and spiritual aspects of circumcision, which go far beyond surgical skill, requiring deep knowledge and reverence for Jewish tradition.

Simpson’s certification reflects a growing trend of women taking on traditionally male religious roles in Jewish communities worldwide. While some Orthodox circles may debate the halachic implications, many see it as a practical solution that strengthens community traditions. The move has been met with enthusiasm in Kansas City, where families now have a local, accessible option for this vital ritual.