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Male circumcision is a requirement of Judaism as a physical recognition of the covenant between Jews and HaShem. Circumcision is specified as a requirement in the Torah:
Vayikra (Leviticus) 12:3
"And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised."
Bereishit (Genisis) 17:9-14
"And HaShem said to Abraham, "And you shall keep My covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall observe between Me and between you and between your seed after you, that every male among you be circumcised. And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be as the sign of a covenant between Me and between you. And at the age of eight days, every male shall be circumcised to you throughout your generations, one that is born in the house, or one that is purchased with money, from any foreigner, who is not of your seed. Those born in the house and those purchased for money shall be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant. And an uncircumcised male, who will not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin-that soul will be cut off from its people; he has broken My covenant."
Jews have been debating this issue for years. Nelly Karsenty writes in her article "A Mother Questions Brit Milla" that she was stunned to realize that questioning this ritual is the ultimate taboo among American Jews. In Europe, she says, many Jews reject circumcision as an archaic and barbaric ritual. She speculates as to why American Jews seem to accept it so readily.
Perhaps, she writes, it is because "circumcision is seen as a symbolic loyalty oath stating that one belongs to the Jewish tribe. It is easier to do so by circumcising one's son than by demanding of oneself to pray three times a day or to observe the dietary laws or the Shabbat each week."
In Europe, she says, Jews have divergent approaches to this issue just as they do with other aspects of Judaism. Or maybe, she writes, it is because brit milla (circumcision) is one of the major ways in which Judaism differs from Christianity. Therefore many Jews feel that rejecting circumcision implies an embracing of Christianity.
As I stated earlier, many Jews are simply ignorant of the realities of circumcision. They still believe the inaccurate studies concerning cleanliness and disease. And of course, some believe that circumcision has been mandated by God. There are even those like Dr. Henry Romberg who insist upon traditional methods such as the use of fingernails as cutting instruments and the taking of the bleeding penis into the mouth to suck the blood.
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Is circumcision a reminder of God's covenant?
Circumcision is a sign of God's covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 17:9-14.
What was the sign of the covenant with Abraham?
Circumcision.
What is the theme of the story Circumcision?
A covenant with god.
What is the significance of circumcision?
It is a part of our covenant with HaShem, the creator.
Why god and circumcision?
Circumcision was part of the Abrahamic Covenant. It was written about in Genesis 17:1-14. In verse 11, specifically, God stated, "You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you." The circumcisions were symbolism meaning they were keeping the covenant. This was reinforced in verse 14. "Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."
What is the function of circumcision?
There is no practical medical reasoning behind a circumcision. Jews primarily do it to cement the covenant with God and the Jewish People, as commanded in the Torah (Genesis ch.17).
What does the word circumcision of the heart mean?
The term "circumcision of the heart" is a metaphorical concept found in some religious and philosophical teachings, referring to an inner transformation or purification that goes beyond physical ritual. It signifies a profound change in one's core beliefs, values, and attitudes, leading to spiritual growth and moral development. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of sincerity, compassion, and mindfulness in shaping one's character.
What convenant was described in the Torah?
The covenant of Abraham, where circumcision is done on Jewish boys at 8 days old.
What was the sign of God's covenant with Abraham?
Jn:7:22: Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. Acts:7:8: And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
What is the Hebrew word for circumcise?
circumcision = מילה (meelah) covenant of circumcision = ברית מילה (brit milah), commonly called a bris by American Jews.
What is the Hebrew word for covenant?
The Hebrew word for covenant is 'Brit' (ברית). The covenant that a Jewish boy enters in upon circumcision is called Brit Milah (ברית מילה). Milah being the word for circumcision.breet (ברית)
What is the importance of circumcision to a Jew?
It is traditionally a visible sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. All of the main denominations of Judaism advocate circumcision, including Reform, though some of the smaller, more liberal Jewish groups are against it.
