The Mitzvah of the "Brit"
In this week's Parsha, Vayeira, the Torah relates the miracle of Yitzchak's
birth to Sarah at the age of 90 and Abraham who was 100. Yitzchak was the
first to be circumcised at 8 days.
In Breishit (Genesis) chapter 17, G-d tells Abraham about the mitzvah of
"Brit" - circumcision, "I will make My covenant between Me and you... You
shall keep My covenant, you and your children after you in all their
generations." The word "covenant" ("Brit") is mentioned 13 times in
connection with this mitzvah!
Our sages say, "From this we see the greatness of the mitzvah of
circumcision, for thirteen covenants are associated with this mitzvah."
The mitzvah of circumcision is not for health reasons. The discussion
whether circumcision is physically beneficial for the child is irrelevant
and has nothing to do with this mitzvah. The "Brit" is purely for
spiritual reasons, as the Torah tells us, "And My covenant shall be in your
flesh for an everlasting sign. (Gen. 17:13)"
The following are questions and answers about the Brit - Circumcision
* At every Brit two chairs are prepared. One is for the "Sandek" (the
person who holds the baby at the time of the Brit). The other chair is
called "Kisei shel Eliyahu (HaNavi)" - "Chair of Elijah (the prophet)."
Q. Why is it customary to have a special chair for Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah
the Prophet) at every Brit?
A. In Biblical times, Ach'av, king of Israel, under the influence of his
wife Izevel (Jezebel), banned circumcision throughout his land. The
Prophet Elijah, saddened at this event, retired to a cave and complained to
G-d that his people had deserted G-d's covenant (Kings I 19:10-14).
Therefore, G-d ordered Elijah to be present at every circumcision so that
he should witness the Jewish people's careful observance of this Mitzvah.
In Elijah's honor we provide a special chair for him at every Brit.
Q. Why does everyone rise when the baby is carried into the room for the
Brit?
A. As mentioned before, the prophet Eliyahu attends every Brit. We stand
up in honor of Eliyahu the prophet who escorts the baby to the Brit.
* As the Mohel performs the circumcision, the father of the child recites
the following blessing, "Blessed are you L-rd our G-d, King of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to enter him
into the covenant of Abraham our father." Then everyone replies, "Just as
he entered into the Brit, so may he enter into Torah, into marriage and
into good deeds."
Q. What is the meaning of "Just as he entered into the Brit (covenant), so
may he enter into Torah, into marriage and into good deeds?"
A. 1) It is a blessing and good wish. Just as the child's Brit is
celebrated with great joy, so too should he celebrate his Torah study,
marriage and performance of good deeds with great joy and happiness.
2) Just as the act of the Brit is permanent and everlasting, so too, the
child's Torah study, marriage and good deeds should be permanent and
everlasting.
