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Circumcision
[Hebrew, brit mila = covenant of circumcision] -
A ritual during which the prepuce is removed, a symbol of
the covenant
between God and Abraham (Book of Genesis, 17:11). Through
circumcision, a
boy is given into the care of God, by which he also was also
protected
from punishment after death and became wholly human. It is
one of the
oldest and most enduring Jewish traditions. Circumcision is
done when
the baby is eight days old, in synagogue or at home. This
date can only
be postponed if the child is ill. Circumcision is also
required of all
men wishing to convert to Judaism, regardless of age.
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The procedure is done by a mohel-a man with the
appropriate skills, often a doctor or ritual slaughterer,
the shoychet.
The baby is held by a sandak-a man known for his devoutness,
often a
rabbi or relative. It is believed that the prophet Elijah
takes part in
the ceremony, for whom there is a second chair, next to that
of the
sandak. After the circumcision, the father says a blessing,
followed by
the mohel, who publicly utters the name of the child for the
first time;
most often, the child is named for his dead ancestors. Among
the
Ashkenazim, the kvater (godfather) and kvaterin (godmother)
take part;
they bring the child in and hand it to the mohel. It was
often childless
couples who performed this role, in the belief that this
would bring
them children. Circumcision is now often done in hospitals
in the
presence of a rabbi and doctor. Circumcision is also
practiced by
Muslims (at the age of thirteen), and in some African
tribes.
(H.W./CM)
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