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How is circumcision different than the other Mitzvahs?

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Circumcision.net

  

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As children mature and develop they are trained to observe all the mitzvahs, each according to their level, especially once they reach the age when they are able to perform them on their own and appreciate their importance.

With circumcision, however, we do not wait until the boy develops enough to comprehend its significance. This is because the bond and covenant between the Jew and G-d transcends intellect and is so vital that it is not delayed.

Another distinction is that other commandments are performed in conjunction with, but external to, the body. Tefillin, for instance, are worn on the arm and head; charity is given by the hand. Circumcision is unique for it is performed upon the body itself, leaving the mark of G-d's eternal covenant upon it for life.

Once a boy is circumcised, his G-dly soul begins to enter his body in a process that is completed at his Bar Mitzvah at the age of thirteen.

Copied with permission from www.circumcision.net.


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RELATED CATEGORIES

Life Cycle » Circumcision » The Brit
Mitzvah
(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Tefillin
Black leather boxes containing small scrolls with passages of the Bible written on them. Every day, aside for Sabbath and Jewish holidays, the adult Jewish male is required to wrap the Tefillin--by means of black leather straps--around the weaker arm and atop the forehead.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.