1. Sabbath (Shabbat)

"The Israelite people shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout the ages as a covenant for all time: it shall be a sign for all time between Me and the people of Israel" (Exodus 31:16-17).

After Noah's flood ended and mankind was renewed, God said "This is the sign that I set for the covenant between Me and you, and every living creature with you, for all ages to come. I have set My bow in the clouds, and it shall serve over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature among all flesh, so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh" (Genesis 9:12-15).

3. Covenant of Circumcision (Brit Mila)

God said to Abraham, "Such shall be the covenant between Me and you and your offspring to follow which you shall keep: every male among you shall be circumcised. you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you" (Genesis 17:10-11).

Thus, circumcision is not simply a medical procedure in Judaism. Circumcision in Judaism is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. Jewish boys, shortly after birth and upon getting their Hebrew name, are marked on their generative" organ as having joined the covenant with God, a covenant that links generation to generation.

A Jewish baby boy's bris ceremony (ritual circumcision) is held during the eighth day after the child is born, even if the eighth day occurs on Shabbat or a holiday. A baby born on Monday morning or afternoon will have his brit on the next Monday. But a baby born on Monday night will have his brit on the following Tuesday since, according to the Hebrew calendar, a new day begins after sundown.

Judaism views circumcision as a religious ceremony, rather than just as surgery. Thus, it is recommended that a Mohel perform the circumcision. A Mohel is a Jew who has been trained in the physical procedures of circumcision and understands the religious signficance of the ritual. If a mohel is not available, then a Jewish physician can perform the circumcision. It is customary to invite a rabbi to conduct the service.

Honored Roles

It is considered an honor to be given a special role in the circumcision ceremony.

* Sandak holds the baby on his lap while the baby is circumcised.

* Kvatterin is the "godmother" who takes the baby from the mother to the Kvatter.

* Kvatter is the "godfather" who takes the baby from the Kvatterin to the Mohel.

* Mohel is the ritual circumciser who has been trained in the physical procedures of circumcision and who understands the religious significance of the circumcision.