Parashat Tazria- "Berit Mila"
Parashat Tazria- "Berit Mila"
he Torah in Parashat Tazria (12:3) introduces the Misva of Berit Mila, circumcision, one of the most fundamental Misvot in the Torah, and one which has withstood the test of time perhaps more so than any other command in the Torah.
Among the customs observed at a Berit Mila is to extend a wish to the parents: "Ke'shem She'hichnasto La'berit Ken Tachnisehu Le'Torah U'le'misvot U'le'Hupa U'le'ma'asim Tovim" – "Just as you brought him to circumcision, so shall you bring him to Torah and Misvot, a wedding canopy, and good deeds." The Zohar teaches that guests at a Berit are obligated to extend this blessing to the parents.
What exactly does this blessing mean? Why do we wish the parents that they shall bring the new child to Torah observance and marriage "just as" they brought him to his Berit?
Some have explained this blessing as referring to the passive, accepting disposition of the child. At the time of his Berit, the child obviously does not protest. A mere eight days old, he does not understand what transpires, and he is therefore entirely passive. The guests wish the parents that this unquestioning attitude should accompany the child as he continues to grow and is brought to the world of Torah and Misvot. They pray that just as on the occasion of his Berit, he should accept the obligations of Torah learning and Misva performance without any hesitation or resistance, with unquestioning obedience and the faith that this is the best way to lead his life. We similarly pray that when he enters marriage, too, he does so without hesitation or fear of the immense responsibilities entailed in heading a household.
We may, however, suggest a different explanation, namely, that this blessing is not only a prayer, but also a charge to the parents. We congratulate them on fulfilling the precious Misva of circumcision, despite the obvious hardship involved in allowing a wound to be inflicted in their newborn child. At the same time, however, we remind the parents that this is but the first stage of the long process of Torah education. Just as they went through the trouble of arranging the Berit Mila for the child, we declare, so must they play an active role in preparing him for a life of Torah and Misvot. It is their responsibility to oversee the child's growth, send him to the proper Torah educational frameworks, and exert the effort to ensure that he learns and follows our traditions. We also exhort the parents to "bring" the child to the
"Hupa," to prepare him for marriage in accordance with the Torah's laws and values. Parents are equipped with life experience that young men and women have yet to acquire, and they must therefore play an active role in preparing their children for marriage and setting their priorities in selecting a spouse. Just as it was the parents who bore the responsibility of arranging the newborn child's Berit Mila, so is it up to them to prepare the child for a life of Torah, Misvot and family commitment in accordance with our tradition.
