Understanding Why Jews Do Circumcise
May 15 '01 (Updated Feb 12 '03)
The Bottom Line Not even all Jews agree, but here is the basics about circumcision from a Jewish viewpoint.
As friends have had children, many have discussed with me the issue of circumcision and wanted a Jewish perspective on it. I cannot address whether a particular individual should or should not circumcise their child, but I can tell you why if I have a son he will be circumcised.
History:
"And G-d spoke to Abraham saying: ...This is my covenant which you shall keep between Me and you and thy seed after you -every male child among you shall be circumcised." (Gen. 17:12)
Since the time of Abraham, Jews have observed the ritual of circumcision as the fundamental sign of the covenant between G-d and Israel. "The Covenant of Circumcision" is known as Brit (or Bris) Milah in Hebrew. For Jews, this is more than merely a medical procedure. The circumcision is a sign of the child's entry into Judaism.
For 3500 years, this has been the tradition. In every country where Jews resided, they have practiced this ritual, sometimes at great personal risk and sacrifice.
The Procedure:
The procedure involved in Brit Milah differs from medical circumcision in that heavy clamping or other interventional instruments are forbidden. It is performed by a Mohel (Ritual Circumcisor) who uses a protective shield to ensure the utmost safety for the child. Afterwards, the incision is cleaned thoroughly through a uniquely Jewish practice called m'tzitzah. If even a thread or speck is left, it is considered to be incomplete.
The procedure is extremely quick, and relatively painless. According to most Rabbinic authorities, Jewish law does allow the use of a topical anaesthetic cream such as EMLA. Many Mohalim (ritual circumcisors) use it routinely, with the aproval of the family's doctor.
Who Performs the Procedure:
The procedure is performed by a Mohel (ritual circumcisor.) This person must be trained and certified. A Mohel must be trained in both circumcision and Jewish laws and traditions. While traditionally a job held by men, there are now female Mohalim in some communities.
A Mohel must be an expert in both medical and surgical procedures and sterilization. This person must also be an observant Jew. In this way, the child is entered into spiritual life at the time of the procedure.
When:
A Brit Milah (Circumcision) is performed on the 8th day after birth if the baby is healthy. Even if this day would be Shabbat (the Sabbath) or Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) nothing is to stop this service.
Orthodox tradition says that the Brit of a baby delivered by caesarean section, should not be performed on the Sabbath or on a Jewish holiday. If the 8th day falls on one of these, then the Brit should be delayed until the next weekday.
A Brit Milah is never performed if it poses any danger to the infant. The doctor and/or mohel's advice to delay a Brit for health reasons should always be heeded. In case of jaundice (yellow pigmentation of the skin), the brit cannot be performed; it is delayed until the bilirubin in the blood drops to a safe level. The brit may then be performed without endangering the child. In some cases of illness, a delay of seven days following full recovery is required.
It is forbidden to postpone the brit for any reason other than health of the child, or in order to obtain a proper Mohel. It is the responsibility of the Mohel, in consultation with the doctor and the family, to determine if a delay is required.
The Ceremony:
The baby is brought in to the room, carried by the kvatter and kvatterin (the godparents).
There are two chairs are prepared. The first is the one for the sandek who holds the baby on their knees during the actual circumcision. (The lap of the sandek is considered analogous to the altar of the Temple.) It is considered a great honour to be the sandek. Tradition says that this honor links the soul of sandek and the child. This person will be the spiritual mentor of the child. Often one of the grandfathers assumes this role.
The second chair is set aside for the spirit of Elijah the Prophet of blessed memory. According to Jewish tradition, Elijah comes to every circumcision to testify before the Almighty to the commitment of the Jewish people to this great mitzvah (commandment) through the generations. Just before the Brit, the baby is placed on the chair of Elijah, and the Mohel recites a special prayer asking for the spirit of Elijah to stand over him as he performs the Brit.
After the Brit, a special blessing is recited upon a cup of wine, and the baby is given his Hebrew name. It is customary to serve refreshments or a meal after the brit. Obviously, it is normal that the food should be Kosher.
In an ideal world, a minyan (ten Jewish men - or in some conservative or reform traditions, 10 adult Jews) will be present for the brit, but it is not required.
Baby Naming:
I mentioned the Hebrew name. This is an important part of synagogue life. In the Torah it says that G-d changed Abraham's name from Avram to Avraham at the time of his circumcision. In keeping with that tradition, a Jewish boy is given his Hebrew name at the time of his Brit Milah. Judaism places a great deal of significance on a child's Hebrew name. It is customary to name the child after someone who led a righteous life so that the child will try to emulate that individual. Ashkenazic Jews (Eastern European Jews) generally name their children for a dearly departed relative (Naphtalia is the female form of Naphtali, my grandfather for whom I was named.) Sephardic Jews, on the other hand usually name their children in honour of living relatives. If the child is named for a person who died at a young age, another name refering to life, or the name of a person who lived a full life is added.
The Hebrew naming of a baby girl should take place at the first occasion after the baby is born when the the father can be called to the Torah. At that time their is a special prayer recited on behalf of the mother and the baby, and a Hebrew name is given to the child. In conservative and reform traditions, the mother and father may both be called to the Torah. Who a baby girl is named after is the same as for boys.
There are Jews who question the value of circumcision. For those who still want a ritual, some Jews are turning to alternative equivalent rituals for male and female infants. This is consistent with reform Judaism's goal of being more egalitarian.
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