Today, circumcision—the removal of all or part of the foreskin covering the glans of the penis—is routine for many babies, whether Jewish or not. For non-Jews it is most often performed for hygienic reasons. But for Jews, circumcision is a ritual with deep religious and cultural significance. Brit milah, which literally means "covenant of circumcision," symbolizes the child's entry into the community of Israel and is a reminder of the covenant between God and the Children of Israel.
The ritual of circumcision is the most widely observed commandment among Jews, both past and present. Indeed, the pages of history are filled with stories of Jews who, during times of persecution, risked everything, even their lives, to fulfill the mitzvah of brit. Where did the practice of ritual circumcision come from? And why would so many follow the commandment, especially when risking so much?
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