Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin' mean?
A: This verse (Genesis 17:11) is part of the commandment of brit milah (circumcision), which is a covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. It signifies our unique relationship with G-d and our commitment to follow His commandments. Rashi explains that this act is an 'ot' (sign) of the eternal covenant.
Q: Why is circumcision important in Judaism?
A: Circumcision (brit milah) is a fundamental mitzvah in Judaism, as it represents the physical and spiritual bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this commandment is so significant that one who neglects it is considered as if they have rejected the entire Torah.
Q: At what age is a Jewish boy circumcised?
A: According to halacha (Jewish law), a baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, as stated in Genesis 17:12. This applies even if the eighth day falls on Shabbat or Yom Kippur, showing the importance of the mitzvah.
Q: What can we learn from the commandment of circumcision?
A: The Midrash teaches that circumcision represents refining our physical nature to elevate ourselves spiritually. Just as we remove the foreskin, we must strive to remove negative traits and dedicate ourselves to serving Hashem with purity. It also symbolizes our willingness to make sacrifices for our faith.
Q: How does the covenant of circumcision apply to Jews today?
A: Brit milah remains a central practice in Orthodox Judaism today, performed on Jewish boys as a lifelong sign of their connection to Hashem and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Shabbat 130a) states that the Jewish people have upheld this mitzvah even in difficult times, demonstrating our eternal commitment to the covenant.
The Mitzvah of Milah (Circumcision)
The verse (Bereshit 17:11) commands the circumcision of the foreskin as a sign of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. This mitzvah, known as brit milah, is one of the foundational commandments given to Avraham Avinu and his descendants.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "ונמלתם את בשר ערלתכם" ("you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin") emphasizes the physical act of removing the foreskin as a tangible sign of the covenant. The term "אות ברית" ("sign of the covenant") indicates that this act is not merely symbolic but an eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.
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Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Milah 1:1), Rambam underscores the centrality of this mitzvah, stating that circumcision is one of the 613 commandments and a defining characteristic of Jewish identity. He notes that its observance is so critical that one who neglects it is considered to have severed his connection to the Jewish people (karet).
Symbolism in the Midrash
Midrash Tanchuma (Tazria 5) teaches that circumcision represents the refinement of human nature. The removal of the foreskin symbolizes the removal of physical and spiritual barriers, allowing a Jew to serve Hashem with purity. The orlah (foreskin) is seen as a metaphor for impurity, and its removal signifies dedication to holiness.
The Covenant's Eternal Nature
The Talmud (Shabbat 130a) states that the mitzvah of milah is so beloved that Jews have risked their lives to uphold it throughout history, even under persecution. The phrase "בריתי בבשרכם לברית עולם" ("My covenant in your flesh shall be an everlasting covenant") (Bereshit 17:13) reinforces its permanence.
Halachic Details