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The rite of circumcision is cardinal in Judaism.
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Subject areas: Religious Studies, Philosophy The rite of circumcision is cardinal in Judaism. According to the Bible, it is the sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, which began with Abraham (Gen. 17:9-13). While in modern times, many Gentiles have adopted circumcision on medical and hygienic grounds, to the Jew it has always had a religious significance. It is the indelible mark of his Jewishness. The rabbis said that every mitzvah for which the children of Israel were willing to risk their lives remained with them, and they gave circumcision as an example. Indeed, throughout their long history Jews were often forbidden to perform the rite of circumcision. Yet today it is the only rite that is observed by virtually all Jews. It has thus become one of the strongest forces contributing to Jewish survival. The great value of the rite lies in its high spiritual concept. It...
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