Jewish 101: Brit Milah

What Is Brit Milah?

Brit Milah, the covenant of circumcision, is one of the oldest and most central commandments in Jewish life. It originates in Genesis 17, when God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of the eternal covenant between God and his descendants.

The Commandment

According to the Torah, every Jewish male has to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth, as commanded in Leviticus 12:3. This is not just a medical procedure; rather, it is a physical sign of belonging, marking a child's entry into the covenant people of Israel.

The ceremony includes blessings, the circumcision itself, and the formal naming of the child. It is often followed by a festive meal and is typically performed by a trained professional known as a mohel.

A Preserved Commandment

Even in times of exile, persecution, and danger, Jewish communities have preserved this commandment with deep commitment and reverence. Brit Milah has remained a defining act throughout history, a moment of identity, faith, and continuity that connects each generation to Abraham and the promises given to him.

Brit Milah in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we read that Yeshua himself was circumcised on the eighth day, in full obedience to the Torah. Later, as Gentiles came to faith, a debate arose: did they need to undergo circumcision in order to be saved? The apostles clarified that salvation comes through the grace of God and not through becoming Jewish. In the death and resurrection of Yeshua, both circumcised Jews and uncircumcised non-Jews are welcomed and find salvation and hope.

To this day, Brit Milah remains a sacred marker in Jewish life, one of identity as well as a lasting covenant between God and his people.