A bris ceremony is the joyous beginning for a newborn boy of Jewish faith. There is much meaning involved in all aspects of this early milestone. In addition to rite of passage for the baby, honors are received by relatives and close family friends as well.
The ritual circumcision occurs when a male child is eight days old. It usually is performed in a home, catering hall or in a synagogue by a mohel. A mohel is a Jewish person trained in the practice of ritual circumcision. A celebratory meal follows.
In the Bible, Abraham was commanded by God to be circumcised. It also held for all of his children and theirs throughout time. It was also put forth that it should occur on the eighth day of a boy's life. For those who choose not to, there is a penalty called kareth. Kareth is the removal (spiritually)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.
Whatever is served should be festive. Usually, the food served is kosher. Kosher foods follow the requirements of Jewish dietary law.
The bris ceremony is time of joy and celebration for Jewish people. A child is joyously welcomed into their Jewish religion. Although often misunderstood by those of other religions, it is the building of a family and faith as well as an act of obedience to God.
The ritual circumcision occurs when a male child is eight days old. It usually is performed in a home, catering hall or in a synagogue by a mohel. A mohel is a Jewish person trained in the practice of ritual circumcision. A celebratory meal follows.
In the Bible, Abraham was commanded by God to be circumcised. It also held for all of his children and theirs throughout time. It was also put forth that it should occur on the eighth day of a boy's life. For those who choose not to, there is a penalty called kareth. Kareth is the removal (spiritually)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.
Whatever is served should be festive. Usually, the food served is kosher. Kosher foods follow the requirements of Jewish dietary law.
The bris ceremony is time of joy and celebration for Jewish people. A child is joyously welcomed into their Jewish religion. Although often misunderstood by those of other religions, it is the building of a family and faith as well as an act of obedience to God.
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