Brit milah

Brit milah (Hebrew: בְּרִית מִילָה‎, pronounced [bʁit miˈla]; "covenant of circumcision"; Yiddish: ברית מילה, bris milah), also known as a bris, is a Jewish religious male circumcision ceremony performed by a specialist, a mohel, on the eighth day of a male infant's life. The brit milah is considered a covenant between the Jewish people and God, as commanded to Abraham in the Book of Genesis 17:10-14. It is one of the most important and widely observed practices in Judaism.

Biblical Origins

The commandment to perform circumcision comes from the Torah, specifically the Book of Genesis. It is considered a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, and his descendants. According to Genesis 17:10-14, God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself, his household, and his descendants as a sign of this covenant.

Procedure

The brit milah ceremony is performed on the eighth day following the birth of a male child, including on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, unless there are health concerns for the child. The procedure is carried out by a mohel, who is trained in both the surgical aspects of circumcision and the relevant Jewish laws and customs. The ceremony includes specific prayers and blessings, and it is customary for the child to be named during the ceremony.

Significance

The brit milah is of great religious and cultural significance in Judaism. It symbolizes the Jewish people's covenant with God and is an initiation into the Jewish community. The ceremony is often followed by a celebratory meal, known as a seudat mitzvah.

Contemporary Practice and Debates

While the brit milah remains a widely practiced and central rite in Judaism, it has also been the subject of debate and criticism, particularly from groups opposed to routine neonatal circumcision. Some argue on ethical, medical, and human rights grounds. In response, many Jewish scholars and medical professionals have defended the practice, citing religious freedom, tradition, and potential health benefits.

Health Aspects

The medical community has studied circumcision for its potential health benefits and risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have acknowledged certain health benefits of neonatal circumcision but also recognize the procedure's risks. It is recommended that parents make an informed decision regarding circumcision.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of circumcision varies by country, with some countries imposing restrictions or requiring medical justification. The practice has also raised ethical questions regarding bodily autonomy and consent, leading to discussions within both the medical and Jewish communities about the balance between religious freedom and individual rights.

See Also

• Covenant
• Circumcision controversies
• Religious male circumcision
• Jewish views on marriage
• Child health