Manitobans are opposing proposed regulations from a medical college that would greatly alter their ability to perform an important Jewish ceremony.

A new set of proposed regulations from the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons, if put in place, will make it very difficult for Jewish circumcision ceremonies to be performed.

Winnipeg's Jewish community has learnt about a draft set to make a major impact on the significant Brit Milah ceremony days before it stops taking feedback. This regulation would reduce the circumcision ceremony to being a medical procedure, which is only a small part of Brit Milah.

"First and foremost Brit Milah is not a medical procedure but a religious spiritual procedure and thus belongs not in a medical setting but in the sanctity of the home and synagogue," Winnipegger Rabbi Yosef Benarroch Adas Yeshurun Herzlia says in a newsletter to his synagogue. "In fairness it seems that there was no malice intended in their proposal. It seems there was an oversight on religious ceremonies. Hopefully, the situation will be rectified, and I believe it will."

Brit Milah takes place in the family home with friends and family present for the ceremony, which includes a blessing and sharing the history of the baby's Hebrew name. If the draft passes, male circumcision done by any Manitoba College of Physicals and Surgeons registrant would only be allowed to take place in a medical clinic.

“The CPSM does not appear to have considered the serious impact upon the Jewish community of this proposed change," Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada says in a statement.

While the college says it only applies to its members, Winnipeg's main moher is a member.

“While this may appear to be a minor change to some, it would threaten to fundamentally change the lives of many Manitoba residents. We are also concerned about a potential slippery slope toward more critical blows to Jewish life that we have seen in other Western countries."

The deadline to send feedback by email is Friday.