B"H
Monday, Mar-Cheshvan 13, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / November 7, 2022
In last week’s Parsha, Lech Lecha we read that Abraham was circumcised at age 99 and his son, Ishmael, was 13 years old.
In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we find again the mitzvah of circumcision. The Torah relates how Sarah, at the age of 90, gave birth to a son. Abraham, who was 100, circumcised his son on the eighth day and named him Yitzchak (Isaac), as G-d commanded him. Thus, Yitzchak was the first one to have his Brit (circumcision) on the eighth day.
Q. What is the reason that circumcision is on the eighth day?
A. There are various reasons. One is that we want the baby to have the benefit of the holiness of the day of Shabbat before he has his Brit.
Q. Why was Abraham and Sarah’s son named Yitzchak?
A. The simple explanation is that when the angel came to Abraham with the good news that his wife Sarah will give birth to a son, Abraham “laughed.” It was an expression of happiness and joy. “Yitzchak” comes from the Hebrew word, Tzechok-laughter. G-d told him to name his son Yitzchak as he was born through laughter and happiness.
But there is a deeper meaning. Yitzchak consists of four Hebrew letters; Yud, Tzadik, Chet, Kuf. Each of these letters has a numerical value. “Yud” is 10; “Tzadik” is 90; “Chet” is 8; “kuf” is 100. The name Yitzchak comprises the four special events associated with his birth.
“Yud” (10) is for the 10 tests with which G-d tested Abraham, and he passed them all. “Tzadik” (90) is for Sarah’s age, who was 90 when she gave birth to Yitzchak. “Chet” (8) stands for the 8th day on which Yitzchak was circumcised, as he was the first one to be circumcised on the 8th day. “Kuf” (100) is for Abraham’s age, who was 100, when Yitzchak was born.
Q.Why is there a special chair, designated for Elijah the Prophet, at every Brit-circumcision?
A. Our sages tell us that when the King of Israel, Achav, and his wife, Izevel, decreed to prohibit the performance of circumcision, the Prophet Elijah was very angered. He retired to a cave and complained to G-d that Israel has forsaken the Covenant of G-d.
As a consequence, G-d ordered him to be present at every circumcision, so that he would witness Israel’s loyalty to G-d’s Covenant. In respect, a special chair is prepared for Elijah the Prophet, who attends every Brit. The child is placed upon that chair before the Brit to receive Elijah's blessings.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY