Parshat Vayera opens with Avraham recuperating from his brit. Avraham was circumcised at the age of 99 whereas Yishmael, his son, was circumcised at 13. Yitzchak was the first person to have a brit on the eighth day after his birth.
The word “Brit” (“covenant”) is mentioned 13 times in connection with the mitzvah of circumcision. Our sages say, “From this we see the greatness of the mitzvah of circumcision, for thirteen covenants are associated with this mitzvah.”
The mitzvah of circumcision is not for health reasons. The discussion whether circumcision is physically beneficial for the child is irrelevant and has nothing to do with this mitzvah. The “Brit” is purely for spiritual reasons, as the Torah tells us, “And My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting sign. (Gen. 17:13)”
Q. When the child is brought into the room for the Brit (circumcision), everyone greets him with the words, “Baruch Haba.” What is the significance of the words “Baruch Haba?”
A. “Baruch Haba” means, “Blessed be the one who entered!” In addition to the simple meaning there is also a reference in these words for the Brit. The numerical value of the word “Haba” is 8 (5+2+1) and represents the 8th day of circumcision!
Q. At every Brit two chairs are prepared. One is for the “Sandek” (the person who holds the baby at the time of the Brit). The other chair is called “Kisei shel Eliyahu (HaNavi)” – “Chair of Elijah (the prophet).” Why is it customary to have a special chair for Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the Prophet) at every Brit?
A. In Biblical times, Ach’av, king of Israel, under the influence of his wife Izevel (Jezebel), banned circumcision throughout his land. The Prophet Elijah, saddened at this event, retired to a cave and complained to G-d that his people had deserted G-d’s covenant. Therefore, G-d ordered Elijah to be present at every circumcision so that he should witness how careful the Jewish people observe this Mitzvah. In Elijah’s honor we provide a special chair for him at every Brit.
http://www.jewswithviews.com/
The word “Brit” (“covenant”) is mentioned 13 times in connection with the mitzvah of circumcision. Our sages say, “From this we see the greatness of the mitzvah of circumcision, for thirteen covenants are associated with this mitzvah.”
The mitzvah of circumcision is not for health reasons. The discussion whether circumcision is physically beneficial for the child is irrelevant and has nothing to do with this mitzvah. The “Brit” is purely for spiritual reasons, as the Torah tells us, “And My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting sign. (Gen. 17:13)”
Q. When the child is brought into the room for the Brit (circumcision), everyone greets him with the words, “Baruch Haba.” What is the significance of the words “Baruch Haba?”
A. “Baruch Haba” means, “Blessed be the one who entered!” In addition to the simple meaning there is also a reference in these words for the Brit. The numerical value of the word “Haba” is 8 (5+2+1) and represents the 8th day of circumcision!
Q. At every Brit two chairs are prepared. One is for the “Sandek” (the person who holds the baby at the time of the Brit). The other chair is called “Kisei shel Eliyahu (HaNavi)” – “Chair of Elijah (the prophet).” Why is it customary to have a special chair for Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the Prophet) at every Brit?
A. In Biblical times, Ach’av, king of Israel, under the influence of his wife Izevel (Jezebel), banned circumcision throughout his land. The Prophet Elijah, saddened at this event, retired to a cave and complained to G-d that his people had deserted G-d’s covenant. Therefore, G-d ordered Elijah to be present at every circumcision so that he should witness how careful the Jewish people observe this Mitzvah. In Elijah’s honor we provide a special chair for him at every Brit.
http://www.jewswithviews.com/
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