Our journey begins with Isaac. According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 29, Isaac himself circumcised his twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Now, here's where the plot thickens. The text suggests that just as Esau despised his birthright – remember that whole messy business with the lentil stew? – he also despised the covenant of circumcision. "So Esau despised his birthright," Genesis 25:34 tells us, and Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer draws a direct parallel to his feelings about brit milah.
Jacob, on the other hand, embraced the covenant. He wasn't just about to let this tradition fade away. He circumcised his own sons and grandsons, ensuring the practice continued through his lineage. But how do we know Jacob's sons were circumcised?
Well, think about the story of Dinah in Genesis 34. Remember how Shechem wanted to marry her? The sons of Jacob, shrewd negotiators that they were, laid down a condition: "Only on this condition will the men consent unto us to dwell with us… if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised" (Gen. 34:22). Or, as another verse puts it, "Only on this condition will we consent unto you: if ye will be as we be" (Gen. 34:15). The implication is pretty clear. Jacob’s sons were already circumcised, and they expected the same of anyone who wanted to join their community. They passed this practice down, generation after generation, as an eternal inheritance.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Fast forward to Egypt. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer tells us that Pharaoh, that "wicked" Pharaoh, arose and imposed harsh decrees, including withholding the covenant of circumcision from the Israelites. Can you imagine? A fundamental act of faith, denied by a tyrannical ruler.
This brings us to a pivotal moment: the Exodus. The text emphasizes that on the very day the children of Israel left Egypt, the entire nation was circumcised – young and old alike. As Joshua 5:5 states, "For all the people that came out were circumcised." It was a powerful act of reaffirmation, a collective declaration of their commitment to the covenant after years of oppression.
So, what does this all mean? It's more than just a historical account. It's a story about inheritance, about commitment, and about the enduring power of tradition even in the face of adversity. It makes you wonder: What traditions do we hold dear, and how do we ensure they continue to be meaningful for future generations?