The other day, I was privileged to act in the role of “sandek” at my new grandson’s bris (religious circumcision). While I was honored to accept the responsibility, it also left me contemplating about the bris ceremony and what special meaning it had in the way we—as Jews—consider our heritage. It also had me thinking about the role that parents and grandparents play.
Avraham Aveinu—the first Jewish man—entered into the covenant of our faith by having himself circumcised at the advanced age of 99-years-old (Bereishit 17:24-27). Avraham’s circumcision marked the establishment of the covenant between God and himself, which included the promise of descendants and the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance. This event holds great significance in Jewish tradition, and the practice of circumcision has been observed by Jewish males as a commandment and symbol of the covenant ever since.
When Moshe neglected to circumcise his son, it almost caused his own death (Shemot 4:24-26.) Tzippora, Moshe’s wife, took swift action by circumcising their son. Her act appeased God, and Moshe’s life was spared. This account highlights the significance of circumcision as a symbol of the covenant and underscores the consequences of neglecting this commandment.
The Gemara (Nedarim 31b) gives many examples of how important it is to fulfill the mitzvah of having a bris in a timely manner. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi exclaimed that, if not for the mitzvah of circumcision, Hashem would not have created the world. Alternatively, he stated that the mitzvah of circumcision is equal to all of the mitzvot in the Torah.
The bris ceremony is a powerful affirmation of the enduring covenant established between God and Avraham. Through circumcision, we mark our commitment to upholding the covenant and passing it on to future generations. Parents—as active participants in the bris—express their dedication to raising their child in accordance with Jewish values and traditions. The bris serves as a reminder that parents play a vital role in nurturing the child’s Jewish identity and connection to the divine covenant.
During the bris ceremony, the child is officially given their Hebrew name, a sacred and meaningful process. The act of naming holds great significance within Jewish tradition, as it represents the essence and individuality of a person. Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of choosing a name that carries deep meaning and reflects their hopes and aspirations for their child’s future. Through the act of naming, parents affirm their role as the primary influencers in shaping the child’s identity and character.
The bris ceremony is an opportunity for parents to reflect on the Jewish legacy they inherited from their own parents and ancestors. It serves as a reminder that they are now the link between the past and the future, entrusted with the task of passing down the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage to the next generation. The bris ceremony symbolizes the parents’ commitment to ensuring the continuity of Jewish tradition, values and teachings, thereby, perpetuating the timeless wisdom of our ancestors.
Grandparents are, often, the keepers of family traditions and customs. Their presence at a bris ceremony symbolizes the transmission of Jewish heritage from one generation to the next. They serve as a living link to the past, connecting the child to their family’s history, values and practices. Their presence reflects the accumulated knowledge, guidance and teachings they can offer to their children and grandchildren. Through their wisdom, grandparents play an invaluable role in shaping the child’s understanding of Jewish values, ethics and traditions. They can share stories, anecdotes and personal reflections that impart a sense of belonging and inspire the child’s connection to their Jewish roots.
The blessings bestowed by grandparents express their desire for the child’s well-being, spiritual growth and a meaningful life within the context of their Jewish heritage. These blessings hold a sacred and powerful significance as they are passed down from one generation to another.
The bris ceremony encapsulates the profound bond between parents, child and God, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Jewish people. The presence of grandparents at a bris ceremony embodies the vital role they play in preserving and transmitting Jewish traditions, providing wisdom and guidance, while they offer unconditional love and support.
May the significance of the bris ceremony inspire parents and grandparents to embrace their sacred roles and guide their children on a path of meaning and purpose—connecting them to their Jewish heritage and a Torah way of life. May my newborn grandson also receive the blessings of all those who attended the bris or watched the ceremony on Zoom. May he grow in Torah values—reach the attainment of getting married under the chuppah so as to continue these values in the chain of life—and may he always exhibit virtuous character traits, doing good deeds throughout his life.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
