“Study improves the quality of the act and completes it, and a mitzvah is more beautiful when it emerges from someone who understands its significance” (Meiri, Bava Kama 17a).
CIRCUMCISION
(Mitzvah #2 in Sefer HaChinuch)
Hashem told Avraham: “This is the covenant that you shall keep between Me and you, along with your descendants after you: circumcise all males.” (Bereishis 17:10)
REASON ONE: SYMBOL OF DISTINCTION
Hashem sealed His covenant with His nation by making them physically distinct from other nations for all generations, and the reproductive organ is the part of the body that symbolizes the covenant’s continuity (Sefer HaChinuch). It is a permanent sign on the flesh that can never wear away (Rabbeinu Bachayei, Bereishis 17:13), and it functions like a slave’s seal that signifies his allegiance to his master and reminds him to dedicate himself to his service (Seforno to Bereishis 17:11). In contrast, idol-worshippers used to tattoo themselves with symbols of their gods (Kad HaKemach, Milah). The circumcision also serves to prevent gentiles from claiming to be Jewish, for it is very difficult for someone to inflict such an injury upon himself or his sons unless he is in truth Jewish (Moreh Nevuchim 3:49).
REASON TWO: SYMBOL OF MAN’S PURPOSE
Hashem desired that His chosen should attain spiritual perfection, and He wanted them to do so themselves so that they would thereby merit a perfect eternal reward. He therefore created the males uncircumcised and commanded them to circumcise themselves, alluding to each Jew that just as he is capable of perfecting his body, he is capable of perfecting his conduct (Sefer HaChinuch).
REASON THREE: TITHE OF THE BODY
We are commanded to separate the foreskin similar to the way we are commanded to tithe our produce and income (Devarim Rabbah 3:5) [in order to demonstrate that He is our master]. Circumcision is similar to an offering, and that is why it involves the removal of blood and is celebrated with a festive meal (see Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer §19). It is greater than an animal offering because it is brought from a person’s very body (Rabbeinu Bachayei, Bereishis 17:13).
REASON FOUR: REMINDER AGAINST IMMORALITY
Hashem designated the reproductive organ as the place of this covenant so that it should serve as a reminder for man to refrain from immoral acts (Yalkut Shimoni, Neviim §42). In addition, circumcision weakens the organ in a manner that deters immorality without damaging its function (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:49).
REASON FIVE: REMOVAL OF SPIRITUAL BLOCKAGE
The foreskin is the worst impurity and blemish (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer). By removing the physical blockage of the foreskin, called “orlah,” we effect the removal of spiritual blockage the covers over the heart, ears, and lips (Menoras Ha’Meor, Ner 5 2:2:2). The circumcision purifies us from the contamination that we contracted through Adam’s sin (Alshich Bereishis 17:1-2). Circumcision is a necessary preparation before a man can study the Torah (Tanchuma, Mishpatim §5).
