Minora 1

Brit Milah
Artist: Ahuva Klein 2

B'rit Milah: The Jewish Ritual of Circumcision

Excerpts from The Complete Book of Jewish Observance

by Leo Trepp

The Catholic Sacrament of Baptism is similar, in some respects, to Jewish Circumcision, and the Rite of Baptism obvious borrows aspects of the Jewish Rite. This should not be surprising since Christianity originated in Jewish Traditions.

The Value of Life

"Judaism, by tradition, is paternalistic." The male enjoys greater responsibility and privilege, especially if the male is the firstborn. However, all life, in Judiasm and Catholism, is valued and is seen as a gift from God.

In traditional Judaism "there is always greater joy at the birth of a boy than at the birth of a girl. The male studied the Torah, ascended to it in public, and joined with other male members to form a congregation. As he went into the marketplace, he alone could assume the duties of leadership, of official and judge. The male bore the seal of the covenant [in his flesh]."1

The firstborn male was especially important. He conectrated to God and often served in a priestly role. Catholism continues the tradition and theology of the male priesthood, of spiritual fatherhood, and of the male being the head of the household. Catholism holds that the priesthood, in which priests act in persona Christi is God's will. Jesus, himself, chose only males to be His Apostles. However, in no way, does this diminish the value and role of women whom Jesus regarded and treated with the greatest respect and dignity.

Jewish by birth

"The Jewish child enters the fold of Judaism at birth."2 Any child of a Jewish mother is considered Jewish. In the previous article we discussed that Judaism is not simply a race, a culture, or a religion. "Judaism is a covenant people, a mystical body, unique among the peoples of the earth. It is a family, and a household. The covenant makes Judaism both a religion and a people."3

Christianity, in contrast is not associated at birth. A child becomes part of the Church, part of the faith, not by heredity, but by choice: the choice of the parents or of the individual.

Inauguration into the Covenant

Among ancient nations circumcision was frequently practiced, usually at puberty as an inauguration into manhood. In contrast, in Judaism the rite is performed on the eight day of the child's life, at a time not of assuming power or authority, but of total submission. Thus, the child grows up never knowing a time when he wasn't dependent on God.

So important is this performance of this rite that it is even performed on the Sabbath and on Yom Kippur. Circumcision, as the seal of God's covenant means submission to God, by the parents and through them by the child, God is the Giver of all things and it is through God's love and generosity that parents are given the life of their child.

Similarly, Catholism, and several other Christion faites, allow the baptism of infants. And when we look closely at the household baptisms described in Acts, there can be little doubt that infants were commonly baptized in the apostolic church on the basis of God’s promise to bless the children of believers. The faith of a parent qualifies a child to be baptized and raised as a disciple of Jesus. Thus Christianity follows the Judaic tradition. Jesus welcomed the children into his kingdom, and so should we.

"The Jewish child enters the fold of Judaism at birth, He enters the covenant on the eight day of his life. Circumcision is a Mitzvah [commandment]. A Jew who fails to perform it in the course of his life (assuming it was not done at the appropriate time) remains a Jew, but a sinful one."4

Catholism follows the tradition of Judaism. Baptism is the 'Gateway into Eternal Life'. For the unbaptized Original Sin remains. Baptism and dying in a state of grace ensures salvation, though Catholics believe that Jews, other Christians, and those who have never heard of Jesus can be saved. God can entend His Mercy to whomever He chooses.

Witnesses and Godparents

Judaism and Catholism requires witnesses to the rite. Judaism requires a quorum [not sure about the number] and Catholism requires the Baptism to be witnessed by a least one godparent and the minister. In Catholism the testimony of other witnesses is accepted in certain circumstances. Both faiths require godparents to be chosen by the parents. In both cases the godparents must be active members of the faith in good standing.

The circumcision was normally performed in the synagogue, but currently it is normally performed in the home. It can also be performed in a hospital if the mother is still in the hospital on the eighth day of the child's life. In Catholism the rite is performed in the Church except in emergency situtions - a danger of death. Baptisms can be performed at any age. The Church recommends that children be baptized as infants at a reasonable time. Deacons can perform the baptism of children up to, and including, the age of seven, Adult baptisms are always performed by a priest, usually at the Easter Vigil Mass.

The Rite

"The B'rit is done by a Mohel, a religious person well versed in the laws of Milah (circumcision) and the techniques of the operation. He need not be a rabbi, nor need he be a physician… In earlier days it was frequently performed in the synagogue, but today it is usually performed in the home. A Minyan (quorum of Jewish witnesses) ought to be present, if possible."5

Song of the Sea of Reeds

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Eternal. They said:

"I will sing to the Eternal for He has triumphed gloriously;
Horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.
The Eternal is my strength and might;
He is become my deliverance.
This is my God and I will enshrine Him;
The God of my ancestors, and I will exalt Him.
The Eternal, the Warrior—
Eternal One is His name!" (Exodus 15:1-3)