Participation at a Bris

Rabbi Benzion Milecki - Shabbat Vayeitze

As I am sure everyone is aware, participation at a Bris Milah is considered a great Mitzvah.

A person who participates in a Bris:

1. Has all his/her sins forgiven
2. Is considered to have see the Shechina (Divine Presence)
3. Receives an "extra soul" (as on Shabbos)
4. Is given the strength to fulfill the entire Torah
5. Can pray to G-d to relieve him/her of any suffering

More specifically, it is written that when G-d instructed Elijah to participate in every Bris Milah he initially refused, saying, "I cannot stand sinfulness. I don't want to be present in case the father of the child is sinful." The Holy One blessed be He replied, "I will forgive him for all his sins". "Perhaps the Sandek and the Mohel will be sinful?" The Holy One blessed be He replied, "I will forgive them too for all their sins.". "Perhaps one of the participants at the Bris will be sinful?". Replied the Holy One blessed be He, "I will forgive all of them for all their sins."

It is customary not to formally invite to a Bris Milah. This is because it is considered a very serious offence to refuse to attend such a holy occasion. As there will inevitably be those who cannot attend, and we don't wish them to offend, we do not issue formal invitations.

At a holy time such as this, when one's heart if overflowing with joy, one wishes to bless one's child and grandchild with the greatest and most meaningful blessings.

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic Movement, was orphaned when he was only five years old. Before his passing, his father, Rabbi Eliezer blessed him saying: "Fear no person and nothing in the world, save G-d alone. And love every Jew with all the depth of your heart, and with all the fire of your soul,no matter who he is or what he is."

The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, explained that for the Baal Shem Tov these words were the Two Tablets of the Covenant, the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge, that lit up his way and guided him throughout his life. And it was the Baal Shem Tov and his teachings that strengthen, encourage and comfort us through the last bitter years of Exile until the coming of Moshiach.

We can think of nothing greater nor more meaningful than to bless our little son and grandson with carrying forward these two great "Pillars of Fire" of the Baal Shem Tov. May he comfort us as we eagerly await the coming of Moshiach.