The verse in Genesis 17:10 states, "And every male of you shall be circumcised, and you shall circumcise, or you shall be circumcised, in the flesh of your foreskin." Seems straightforward, right? But what is the meaning of this repetition, this… emphasis?
Well, according to the Midrash of Philo, there's far more here than meets the eye.
The rabbis of the Midrash don't see these words as mere repetition. They see layers, echoes of deeper truths. The multiple "shall be circumcised" hints at the multiple levels of meaning embedded in this mitzvah.
Think about it: physical circumcision is just the beginning. The removal of the foreskin is a tangible act, a visible sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. But is that all it is?
The Midrash suggests that this physical act mirrors a deeper, internal process. We aren’t just marking the body, but also aiming to refine the soul. It suggests the ongoing work of removing layers of negativity, of yetzer hara, the "evil inclination," that obscure our true selves.
So, when we read, "And every male of you shall be circumcised," it's not just a command to perform a physical act. It's an invitation to engage in a lifelong journey of self-improvement. To peel back the layers, to reveal the holiness within. To constantly strive to be the best version of ourselves, aligned with God's will.
This interpretation beautifully transforms a seemingly simple commandment into a profound spiritual exercise. It reminds us that our faith isn't just about following rules, but about constantly striving to become more holy, more connected, more… ourselves.