Local Rabbi Accused of Infecting Babies With Herpes

Sep 14, 2012
Disturbing allegations have surfaced tonight in the Orthodox Jewish community. A man who is supposed to bring joy and holiness is now being accused of helping spread a deadly disease to innocent babies.

A young Orthodox Jewish woman spoke to News 12 saying a local rabbi is infecting babies with herpes.

When circumcision is being performed on a baby boy, some religious leaders, or also known as Mohels, will participate in the practice know as "Metzitzah B'peh," or also known as MBP.

MBP is when the Mohel will use his mouth to suck the blood from the infant's penis after he cuts off the foreskin. The practice is meant to prevent infection and serve as a celebration of life.

In documents obtained by News 12, the State Health Department has tied Rabbi Yitzchok Fischer, of Monsey, to the herpes infections of three babies, one of whom died in 2004.

Shortly after the child's death, Fischer was banned from performing MBP in New York. Despite the ban, the young woman says Fischer is still performing the ritual.