Newborn Jewish boys take part in a joyous celebration known as a bris ceremony. This milestone is rife with meaning and significance. It is a time of honor for the baby as well as for family members and close friends.
This rite of passage happens on the eighth day of life for a newborn son. The ceremony can be performed in a variety of locations such as a synagogue, a hall or in a home. The procedure is performed by a mohel, who is trained in the practice. A meal often follows to continue the fellowship of the day.
This rite of passage is biblically commanded. God commanded Abraham and all of his descendants to be circumcised. The Bible also requires that it be done on the eighth day of life. There is a penalty described for those who do not observe the practice. This penalty is called kareth, which is spiritual removal from the Jewish nation).
There are many reasons to have this procedure performed. Some can be found in Jewish philosophical literature dating back to Philo (20 BC-50AD). In his book, he outlines several reasons including the protection from disease and cleanliness. He also writes that the procedure makes the penis resemble a heart. Others have offered other reasons such as it is serves as a mark of the chosen people. It is also believed that it offers man the opportunity to complete his physical form. This is an inspiration to also complete his soul.
The ceremony begins with the entrance of the baby in his parents arms. He is placed in what has been designated as the Chair of Elijah. The Sandek holds the baby. The Sandek is known as the "companion to the child." It is often the baby's grandfather. Before the mohel begins, a blessing is offered.
Another blessing is offered after the procedure over a glass of wine. A Hebrew name is then given to the child. This is an important part of the event as he will have this name for the rest of his life. The name of a relative who has passed on is often given to the child as a symbol of life going on.
The meal that follows is called the Se'udat Mitzvah. This is a festive meal that follows many Jewish happy occasions. There are no specific foods that are mandated for this particular occasion. Traditions have emerged, however, regarding foods that are served. Many of them carry important meaning related to the day. Nuts and chickpeas are often served as they symbolize the birth and life cycle.
Kosher food should be on the menu for those who observe the practice. Kosher food follows the dietary laws of Judaism. Often those who observe kosher laws will not partake in the meal if it is not kosher.
A newborn boy is welcomed into the Jewish faith through the bris ceremony. It is a celebratory and joyous rite of passage for families. It is a practice that can be misunderstood by those of different faiths. Jewish people know it to be an act of obedience as well as one of celebration of family and faith.
This rite of passage happens on the eighth day of life for a newborn son. The ceremony can be performed in a variety of locations such as a synagogue, a hall or in a home. The procedure is performed by a mohel, who is trained in the practice. A meal often follows to continue the fellowship of the day.
This rite of passage is biblically commanded. God commanded Abraham and all of his descendants to be circumcised. The Bible also requires that it be done on the eighth day of life. There is a penalty described for those who do not observe the practice. This penalty is called kareth, which is spiritual removal from the Jewish nation).
There are many reasons to have this procedure performed. Some can be found in Jewish philosophical literature dating back to Philo (20 BC-50AD). In his book, he outlines several reasons including the protection from disease and cleanliness. He also writes that the procedure makes the penis resemble a heart. Others have offered other reasons such as it is serves as a mark of the chosen people. It is also believed that it offers man the opportunity to complete his physical form. This is an inspiration to also complete his soul.
The ceremony begins with the entrance of the baby in his parents arms. He is placed in what has been designated as the Chair of Elijah. The Sandek holds the baby. The Sandek is known as the "companion to the child." It is often the baby's grandfather. Before the mohel begins, a blessing is offered.
Another blessing is offered after the procedure over a glass of wine. A Hebrew name is then given to the child. This is an important part of the event as he will have this name for the rest of his life. The name of a relative who has passed on is often given to the child as a symbol of life going on.
The meal that follows is called the Se'udat Mitzvah. This is a festive meal that follows many Jewish happy occasions. There are no specific foods that are mandated for this particular occasion. Traditions have emerged, however, regarding foods that are served. Many of them carry important meaning related to the day. Nuts and chickpeas are often served as they symbolize the birth and life cycle.
Kosher food should be on the menu for those who observe the practice. Kosher food follows the dietary laws of Judaism. Often those who observe kosher laws will not partake in the meal if it is not kosher.
A newborn boy is welcomed into the Jewish faith through the bris ceremony. It is a celebratory and joyous rite of passage for families. It is a practice that can be misunderstood by those of different faiths. Jewish people know it to be an act of obedience as well as one of celebration of family and faith.
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