B"H
Monday, Mar-Cheshvan 10, 5785 / November 11, 2024
In last week’s Parsha, Lech Lecha, the Torah tells us that Abraham and his son, Yishmael, were both circumcised on the same day. Abraham was circumcised at the age of ninety-nine, while his son, Yishmael, was circumcised at age thirteen.
In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, the Torah relates the miracle of Yitzchak's birth to Sarah, at age 90 and Abraham at age of 100. Yitzchak, (Isaac) who was 14 years younger than Yishmael, was circumcised at eight days. Thus, the first Jew to be circumcised at eight days, was our forefather Yitzchak.
"Brit Milah" - "circumcision" is a covenant between G-d and the Jewish people, as we read in the Torah: "And G-d said to Abraham; You shall keep My covenant, you, and your children after you throughout their generations... This is My covenant, which you shall keep... You shall circumcise among you every male... And it shall be for a covenant between Me and between you..."
The word “Brit” - "covenant" is mentioned thirteentimes in connection with this mitzvah!Our sages say, "We see the importance and significance of the mitzvah of circumcision, for thirteen covenants are associated with this mitzvah."
Q. Was Abraham the first one to be circumcised? What about Adam and Noach?
A. Abraham was the first one who was given the mitzvah-commandment to perform the act of circumcision. However, Adam, Noach and Noach’s son, Shem, wereborn circumcised.
Q. At the circumcision ceremony we set up a chair called, "Kisei shel Eliyahu" - "Elijah's chair." Before the Brit is performed, the baby is placed upon Elijah's chair. What is the reason?
A. In Biblical times, Ach'av, King of Israel, under the influence of his wicked wife, Izevel (Jezebel), banned circumcision throughout his land. Eliyahu the Prophet, saddened at this turn of events, retired to a cave and complained to G-d that his people had deserted G-d's covenant (Kings I 19:10-14).
G-d ordered Eliyahu, who later became an angel, to be present at every circumcision for all generations so that he will witness the Jewish people's careful observance of this Mitzvah. In Eliyahu's honor, who is present at every circumcision, we provide a special chair for him.
Q. Why is it customary for everyone to rise when the baby is carried into the room for the circumcision?
A. According to our sages, we stand up in honor of Eliyahu, who escorts the baby to the Brit.
Q. At the end of the Brit everyone blesses the child, "Just as he entered into the Brit so may he enter into Torah, into marriage and into good deeds." What is the meaning of this blessing?
A. Just as the act of the Brit is permanent and everlasting, so too, the child's Torah study, marriage and good deedsshould bepermanent and everlasting.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW