Significance of Brit Milah
The Book of Bereishit only has three of the 613 Mitzvot. There is the commandment to procreate, which is learned from the words, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
There is also the prohibition of eating the sciatic vein of an animal. This was taught in connection with Yakov’s injury to his thigh, after wrestling the angel.
The third Mitzva is that of Brit Mila, circumcision, mentioned in Parshat Lech Lecha. Circumcision is mentioned again in Parshat Tazria, after a woman gives birth to a son. There the emphasis is on the circumcision taking place on the eighth day, even if it falls on Shabbat or a holiday.
The soul and the physical body reach the heavens with the performance of the Mitzva of circumcision.
It is a covenant between Hashem and His people. A great deal of the merit that comes with its performance is attributed to Avraham Avinu.
He went through the pain and discomfort of circumcision at the age of ninety-nine. Because of the pain he endured, the reward was multiplied. This pain allowed the Jewish people to endure the pain of our long and bitter exile.
There was a heated and bitter discussion in the Gemara between two rabbis who were generally very close and respectful of one another. Rav Abba Bar Kahana was very angry at his good friend, Rav Levi because of his commentary regarding circumcision.
Rav Levi was of the opinion that Avraham did not actually have a foreskin. Therefore, the ceremony that he performed, was only symbolic.
Apparently, Rav Abba reacted so harshly because he thought his colleague was undermining the whole message of Brit Mila. The merit found in this Mitzva was directly due to the pain and discomfort. The significance of this pain had ramifications for future generations. Rav Abba did not want this message to be lost.
This is why he protested so vehemently. He wanted the lesson of self sacrifice on behalf of our people, to be heard loud and clear. There will be a time when all suffering will end. But we must stay focused on our destiny and role that we play in the world. Often it isn’t easy, but in the end, the rewards will be great.