|
School Info |
|
|
|
Jewish Basics |
|
|
|
Contact Info |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brit Milah,
the covenant of circumcision, was commanded by G-d to Abraham over 3,700 years ago. It has
been carried out faithfully from generation to generation, even during times of religious and
ethnic persecution when Jews were forced to practice their rituals in secret. In fact, the
only time the Jewish people willingly desisted from this practice was during the 40 years of
wandering in the Sinai wilderness. Before entering Canaan, every male was circumcised by
Joshua.
The acceptance of this commandment, or Mitzvah, established an eternal bond between G-d and
the Children of Israel. Its observance today is testimony to the continuity and strength of
that relationship, which requires us to perform the Mitzvah with adherence to the laws and
customs prescribed in the Torah and interpreted by our sages.
G-d appeared to Abraham when he was 99 years old and commanded him to circumcise himself, his
son, Ishmael, all the males of his household and all his slaves. It is said that Abraham
accomplished this on the tenth day of the month of Tishrei, later designated as Yom Kippur,
when the sins of the Jewish people were forgiven. The following year, when Isaac was born, he
was circumcised on the eighth day. In return for his faithfulness, G-d promised Abraham that
his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land of Canaan for eternity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
