JewishCircumcision


 * Circumcision**- an operation where the foreskin is removed from the penis

Traditional Prayer-
Holding the baby, the mother says: "My son, my child, you have been as dear to me as my own breath. May I hold you gently now with the love to keep you close and the strength to let you grow." Father takes the baby and says: My son, my child, a piece of my life is you. You have grown to life apart from me, but now I hold you close to my heart and cradle you in my arms with my love. “You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days.” Genesis 17:11-12

Overview
•A religious covenant called Brit Milah (covenant of circumcision). •Initiation right for young boys •To become a Jew, you need to be circumcised. (Unlike Islam Circumcision where it is not required) Covenant with Abraham •Religious obligation- recalling covenant God made with Abraham -Welcomes the infant into the Jewish community, renewing the covenant people.

Ceremony-
•Usually takes place when a child is eight days old but it can be delayed for medical reasons only (not for any other reasons) •Usually attended by men •Traditionally performed in the synagogue. •Preferred to be performed in the morning because according to the Hebrew calendar, a new day begins after sundown. •Child placed on top of a male friend or relative. (Honor of being the Sandek)

Significant people that take part in the ceremony-
•Sandak- has responsibility of holding the child still while being circumcised. •Kvatterin: the "godmother" who takes the baby from the mother to the Kvatter. •Kvatter- the "godfather" who takes the baby from the Kvatterin to the Mohel. •Mohel- performs the circumcision. (A Mohel understands the religious significance of circumcision.)

•Once the Mohel recites the blessing, the circumcision is then performed. •Prayers are then recited and the baby is also given his name at the ceremony- custom to keep the name secret before •Jewish babies are given names at the first public gathering •Ceremony can be conducted anywhere •Followed by celebratory meal (Seaudat Mitzvah) •Scholars believe circumcision is one of the most ancient tribal procedures ever recorded