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To circumcise all males on the eighth day after their birth

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
וּבַיּ֖וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֑י יִמּ֖וֹל בְּשַׂ֥ר עׇרְלָתֽוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת תַזְרִיעַ
Leviticus 12:3 - "And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Covenant – בְּרִית

Circumcise male children on the eighth day after birth.

This mitzvah commands the circumcision (brit milah) of every Jewish male on the eighth day of life. Circumcision is a covenantal sign between Hashem and the descendants of Avraham, symbolizing holiness, faith, and dedication to Hashem’s commandments. The eighth day is chosen as it transcends the natural seven-day cycle, representing Israel’s unique relationship with the divine.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:1): The mitzvah is incumbent upon the father; if he neglects it, the obligation passes to the community, and ultimately to the individual himself.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 2): The root is that circumcision perfects the physical form, symbolizing the need to perfect the spiritual nature of man through mitzvot.
  • Talmud (Shabbat 132a): Teaches that circumcision overrides Shabbat, showing its great significance as a covenantal mitzvah.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Covenant - בְּרִית

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Tied to the eternal covenant between G‑d and the Jewish people, including signs like brit milah and Shabbat.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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Love - אַהֲבָה

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Reflects mitzvot rooted in love—of G‑d, others, and the world we are entrusted to uplift.

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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