History
Beginning in the Torah, circumcision has been practiced within the Jewish faith as an important religious and cultural tradition for over 3,000 years. It is considered to be a covenant between God and Abraham, his ancestor. It has been passed down through the generations and is currently performed within orthodox communities by a professional known as a mohel. This is a person specially trained in the practice and follows specific religious guidelines. The mohel performs circumcision in a process called Bris Milah, which includes the gathering of family, friends and a rabbi in a celebratory ceremony.
Significance
Circumcision within Jewish tradition holds deep spiritual significance. It is symbolic of being part of the chosen people and marks the entrance into the covenant between God and the Jewish people. For Jewish parents, performing Bris Milah is like presenting a gift to God – a way of expressing commitment and devotion to the faith. For this reason, circumcision is done at a very young age usually lasting 8 days.
The Procedure
The procedure itself is quite simple. The mohel inspects the male infant’s genitals prior to the Bris Milah ceremony, to ensure the procedure can be performed safely. He then marks a line on the foreskin and continues to cut it off with a sharp object. To help reduce any discomfort, a baby pacifier dipped in wine is given to the baby to help numb the area. The mohel then recites a prayer in Hebrew and ties the wound with a thin white bandage.
Health Benefits
In addition to its religious connotations, circumcision has plenty of health benefits. It reduces the risk of infections as well as reducing the risk of several urinary tract infections. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that it can also reduce risk of penile cancer as well as reducing risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and HPV. Naturally, these studies and benefits are something to consider when deliberating whether to follow the religious custom or not.
Ethical & Legal Considerations
Circumcision has been controversial due to its religious link, as some have argued that parents have no right to make a decision to have their child circumcised if the child is unable to make the decision for themselves. This has caused some significant ethical debates. While in some countries there is no legal restriction to perform the procedure, in other countries such as Germany or Denmark it has been completely banned.
Risks
As with any medical procedure, circumcision does come with potential risks. Most commonly these are infection, excessive bleeding and scarring. To avoid these risks, it is important to consult a trained medical professional or mohel to ensure the procedure is performed in a safe and sanitary environment. Additionally, it should be taken into consideration any family of medical history before the procedure is performed.
Conclusion
Circumcision has been practiced within Judaism for many centuries. It is a religious custom that symbolises the entrance into the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Although it has certain health benefits, it also comes with certain risks. It is important to consult with a trained medical professional and consider the cultural and legal considerations prior to undergoing the procedure.
Reasons For The Tradtion
Circumcision is a tradition that is widely practiced by many in the Jewish faith. The practice has been passed down from generation to generation and has deep spiritual roots within the faith. The exact reasons for the practice, however, have been debated for many years. Some believe it is an act of spiritual purification and obedience to God, whilst others believe it is a way of signalling entrance into the covenant. Whatever the reasons may be, the practice remains an important part of the Jewish faith today.
The Mohel
The mohel is a professional that is specifically trained to perform circumcision. This person is taken very seriously within the Jewish faith as they possess the knowledge and moral integrity to carry out the ceremony in a respectful manner. The mohel is usually a rabbi, however in some cases a trained doctor may take on this role. The mohel is responsible for following the protocols set out by the faith and is where parents should seek advice if they are considering performing the circumcision on their child.
Modern Circumcision
Circumcision within Judaism is still a widely practiced custom amongst many faiths today. In some orthodox communities, very little has changed and the ritual is extremely similar to that of one 3,000 years ago. Non-orthodox or conservative groups will often combine medical practices with the ritual upon the ceremony, using pain relief creams or clamps during the procedure.
Meaning and Importance
Much of the meaning and importance of circumcision is deeply embedded within the Jewish faith. It is a symbol of God’s covenant with the Jewish people and a representation of the ongoing relationship with Him. It is a reminder of the faith and allows those of the Jewish faith to connect to their spiritual backgrounds. It also serves to unite families and strengthen the importance of legacy and heritage.
