B"H
Wednesday, Mar-Cheshvan 15, 5776 / October 27, 2015
In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we read about the mitzvah of circumcision (Brit Milah).
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.
Q. Why was he 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?
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 the seat before the Brit to receive Elijah's blessings.
Q.Why is it customary to stand up when the child is brought into the room for his Brit? Do we stand up for an eight day old baby?
A.We don’t rise for the baby. We stand for Elijah the Prophet who accompanies him into the room.
Our sages tell us that attending a Brit is not only a mitzvah, it is also of great personal benefit for all who are in attendance.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
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