Circumcision

Mark Podwal (b. 1945)
Digitial archival pigment print on paper
7 7/16 x 7 9/16″
USA, 2020
© Mark Podwal

B’rit milah (circumcision) is among the earliest Jewish religious rituals. The Torah tells how Abraham was commanded by God to circumcise himself, all the males in his household, his descendants, and slaves, in an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:9–13). Such is its importance that circumcision can be performed on Shabbat or a holy day. B’rit milah customs include the Shalom Zakhar, a festive meal the Friday night before the brit, having a minyan (ten men) present, and, ever since the Middle Ages, inviting the prophet Elijah to be seated to the right hand of the sandak, the person who holds the infant. According to traditions, when circumcision in the Northern Kingdom was about to be abolished, the prophet Elijah is said to have fled to a cave and complained to God that Israel had forsaken the Lord’s covenant, whereupon God ordained that no circumcision should take place except in the presence of Elijah. Elijah, who testified that Israel had abandoned the covenant, would testify forever that they are keeping it. In modern practice, Elijah’s presence takes the form of an empty chair placed to the right of the sandek at the brit milah ceremony.