Shabbat 137 – Slaves and Proselytes

We have been discussing the fact that circumcision is required on the 8^th day of a male infant’s life – and that even the laws of Shabbat a set aside in favor of fulfilling this commandment. There is, however, one essential exception. As the Mishnah on this page state:

AN INFANT WHO IS ILL IS NOT CIRCUMCISED UNTIL HE RECOVERS.

Everything is suspended based on the health and safety of the child. The rabbis continue:

Samuel said: When his temperature subsides [to normal], we allow him full seven days for his [complete] recovery.

Not only is circumcision suspended during the time of illness, but we delay a full week just to be sure.

It is also worthwhile to note that the rabbis over a powerful benediction for the circumcision of slaves and for conversion:

'… Who hast sanctified us with Thy commandments and hast commanded us (to circumcise proselytes and) to cause the drops of the blood of the covenant to flow from them, since but for the blood of the covenant the ordinances of heaven and earth would not endure, as it is said, If not my covenant by day and by night, I had not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth (Jer. 33:25).

The cosmic consequence of bringing others into the covenantal relationship is celebrated here. Although Jews do not proselytize, we do welcome those who seek. (The slave, of course, does not necessarily seek – but as noted in an earlier post, circumcision represents obligation towards him).

Without their participation the universe would literally not endure! Far from those who think that converts are not “real” Jews, this benediction gives even greater honor than to one who is a born Jew.