Why do Jews get circumcised ? did god tell them that he made a mistake in the design and it needed a?

Question

"MODIFICATION" ?

Answer 1

lol, yes good point

Answer 2

Both the Old and the New Testament talk about circumcision of the heart. The tip is shaped like a heart. I don't know because I have never been uncircumcised, but doesn't circumcision make a man slightly more sensitive all day, and slightly less sensitive in bed?
I believe that the Lord was using the physical practice as a constant reminder to a Jewish man, the spiritual leader of his household, that he was to remain sensitive in heart to the word of his Creator. Nowadays believers are not enjoined to physical circumcision, but still need to have circumcised hearts, tender all day to listen to and obey their Maker.
Could not a Creator make something that can be safely removed in order to use that removal as a reminder in those who chose to follow Him, that they had indeed made that choice?

Answer 3

No, circumcision was used as a sign between a believer and God that the believer was consecrated to God, and this separated the Jews from the heathen.
After Christ came, this was no longer necessary, and Paul preached extensively on this subject; see the Book of Hebrews concerning the "circumcision vs. uncircumcision" subject.

Answer 4

Not only Jews get circumcised. Muslims, most Americans, many Canadians and Australians, many people in the British upper-class, most Africans, South Koreans, Philipinos, etc get circumcised too.

Why? Keep reading...

CIRCUMCISION IS VERY BENEFICIAL, its cleaner and several research bodies have concluded that circumcised men have less risk of contracting STD's such as AIDS-HIV or herpes.

Uncircumcised penises are difficult to keep clean, and more prone to infections and penile cancer, studies have shown.
A circumcised penis is naturally clean and virtually free from urinary infection. You will not have to worry again with careful washing of your penis.

About STD's:

As I said, several studies carried out by prestigious research bodies have concluded that uncircumcised penises are more prone to infections and contraction of STD's, including AIDS-HIV. Circumcised men have been proved to be up to seven times less likely to be infected than those who are uncircumcised. Have a look at this site: http://icuxbridge.icnetwork.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14095142&method=full&siteid=53340&headline=-circumcision-protects-against-aids--name_page.html

As for women, studies also show that circumcision also protects female partners from AIDS-HIV and other STD's. Browse this article: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/02_08_06.html

About sensitivity of a circumcised penis:

No medical or physiological study has proved that circumcision reduces sensitivity, opposed to common belief. It is completely FALSE that circumcision reduces penis sensitivity. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) confirms this on their web site; have a look at: http://www.aap.org/pubed/zzzjzmemh4c.htm

Circumcision is an easy and nowadays *painless* procedure, which has many benefits, and virtually no risks.
Circumcision is NOT an amputation. Circumcision is NOT comparable at all to female circumcision, which is something completely different.

Circumcision rates are INCREASING nowadays, both in the United States and overseas. Many African and South American countries with little circumcision tradition are starting to promote the procedure to help to reduce the AIDS-HIV infection rates.

Finally, this site has a lot of useful and *unbiased* information. Make sure you have a good look: http://www.circlist.com

Answer 5

Circumcision is a matter of obedience to God and to give up some of mortal pleasure for the sake of following God. (besides the debatable concepts that the practice also promotes better hygiene)

Answer 6

Circumcision is of the heart, male and female.

Circumcision was a shadow or likeness of the future.

Answer 7

Circumcision is unnatural. It means that God made a mistake when he made men.

Answer 8

It is known that the rate of cervical cancer among women is lower when their partner is circumsized and it is also known that the incidence of AIDS contagion is less among the circumsized.

Two frequently cited medical justifications for circumcision - the prevention of urinary tract infections and penile cancer. Also general cleanliness.

Do some research before you decide to make yourself look like an idiot.

Answer 9

Women must be virgins on their wedding night according to the bible. This is not specified for men. If men are uncircumcised they will also bleed during their first sexual encounter, and this blood could be mistaken as the woman's. Also, it frees men to be able to have sex with prostitues, with no physical tell-tale sign that he was not a virgin. Although I am not sure it mattered.

The only way to make sure women are pure is for men to endure a barbaric ritual. No anesthesia back then, boys!

If all men had to be virgins on their wedding night then it stands to reason that all the women would be also! That just goes to show that the men were sleeping around!

Answer 10

When he made people it was to live under perfect conditions.
When man feel from grace and maybe didn't take as good care of himself and got pretty dirty. He felt it would be better if it was easier to wash. that is just a guess , don't have one, don't know but I would think that would really hurt.

Answer 11

As friends have had children, many have discussed with me the issue of circumcision and wanted a Jewish perspective on it. I cannot address whether a particular individual should or should not circumcise their child, but I can tell you why if I have a son he will be circumcised.

History:
"And G-d spoke to Abraham saying: ...This is my covenant which you shall keep between Me and you and thy seed after you -every male child among you shall be circumcised." (Gen. 17:12)

Since the time of Abraham, Jews have observed the ritual of circumcision as the fundamental sign of the covenant between G-d and Israel. "The Covenant of Circumcision" is known as Brit (or Bris) Milah in Hebrew. For Jews, this is more than merely a medical procedure. The circumcision is a sign of the child's entry into Judaism.

For 3500 years, this has been the tradition. In every country where Jews resided, they have practiced this ritual, sometimes at great personal risk and sacrifice.

The Procedure:

The procedure involved in Brit Milah differs from medical circumcision in that heavy clamping or other interventional instruments are forbidden. It is performed by a Mohel (Ritual Circumcisor) who uses a protective shield to ensure the utmost safety for the child. Afterwards, the incision is cleaned thoroughly through a uniquely Jewish practice called m'tzitzah. If even a thread or speck is left, it is considered to be incomplete.

The procedure is extremely quick, and relatively painless. According to most Rabbinic authorities, Jewish law does allow the use of a topical anaesthetic cream such as EMLA. Many Mohalim (ritual circumcisors) use it routinely, with the aproval of the family's doctor.

Who Performs the Procedure:

The procedure is performed by a Mohel (ritual circumcisor.) This person must be trained and certified. A Mohel must be trained in both circumcision and Jewish laws and traditions. While traditionally a job held by men, there are now female Mohalim in some communities.

A Mohel must be an expert in both medical and surgical procedures and sterilization. This person must also be an observant Jew. In this way, the child is entered into spiritual life at the time of the procedure.

When:

A Brit Milah (Circumcision) is performed on the 8th day after birth if the baby is healthy. Even if this day would be Shabbat (the Sabbath) or Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) nothing is to stop this service.

Orthodox tradition says that the Brit of a baby delivered by caesarean section, should not be performed on the Sabbath or on a Jewish holiday. If the 8th day falls on one of these, then the Brit should be delayed until the next weekday.

A Brit Milah is never performed if it poses any danger to the infant. The doctor and/or mohel's advice to delay a Brit for health reasons should always be heeded. In case of jaundice (yellow pigmentation of the skin), the brit cannot be performed; it is delayed until the bilirubin in the blood drops to a safe level. The brit may then be performed without endangering the child. In some cases of illness, a delay of seven days following full recovery is required.

It is forbidden to postpone the brit for any reason other than health of the child, or in order to obtain a proper Mohel. It is the responsibility of the Mohel, in consultation with the doctor and the family, to determine if a delay is required.

The Ceremony:

The baby is brought in to the room, carried by the kvatter and kvatterin (the godparents).

There are two chairs are prepared. The first is the one for the sandek who holds the baby on their knees during the actual circumcision. (The lap of the sandek is considered analogous to the altar of the Temple.) It is considered a great honour to be the sandek. Tradition says that this honor links the soul of sandek and the child. This person will be the spiritual mentor of the child. Often one of the grandfathers assumes this role.

The second chair is set aside for the spirit of Elijah the Prophet of blessed memory. According to Jewish tradition, Elijah comes to every circumcision to testify before the Almighty to the commitment of the Jewish people to this great mitzvah (commandment) through the generations. Just before the Brit, the baby is placed on the chair of Elijah, and the Mohel recites a special prayer asking for the spirit of Elijah to stand over him as he performs the Brit.

After the Brit, a special blessing is recited upon a cup of wine, and the baby is given his Hebrew name. It is customary to serve refreshments or a meal after the brit. Obviously, it is normal that the food should be Kosher.

In an ideal world, a minyan (ten Jewish men - or in some conservative or reform traditions, 10 adult Jews) will be present for the brit, but it is not required.

Baby Naming:

I mentioned the Hebrew name. This is an important part of synagogue life. In the Torah it says that G-d changed Abraham's name from Avram to Avraham at the time of his circumcision. In keeping with that tradition, a Jewish boy is given his Hebrew name at the time of his Brit Milah. Judaism places a great deal of significance on a child's Hebrew name. It is customary to name the child after someone who led a righteous life so that the child will try to emulate that individual. Ashkenazic Jews (Eastern European Jews) generally name their children for a dearly departed relative (Naphtalia is the female form of Naphtali, my grandfather for whom I was named.) Sephardic Jews, on the other hand usually name their children in honour of living relatives. If the child is named for a person who died at a young age, another name refering to life, or the name of a person who lived a full life is added.

The Hebrew naming of a baby girl should take place at the first occasion after the baby is born when the the father can be called to the Torah. At that time their is a special prayer recited on behalf of the mother and the baby, and a Hebrew name is given to the child. In conservative and reform traditions, the mother and father may both be called to the Torah. Who a baby girl is named after is the same as for boys.