8th Day Circumcision: To Choose or Not to Choose?

Should we circumcise our precious son? Is that not a choice for him to make for himself as he matures?

I want to empower you on this most personal, vulnerable, and covenantal journey. Many parents may wonder why it is ideal to initiate a baby into the covenant at such a young age. The Midrash has a simple, yet deeply enigmatic dialogue:

May our teacher enlighten us: When [literally, “to how much”] is a baby circumcised? Our sages have taught at eight days old, like our patriarch, Isaac (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 1).

The question and answer both seem disturbingly obvious - the Torah explicitly conveys both the general command to circumcise at eight days old, as well as the specific command to circumcise Isaac at eight days old! Perhaps the questioner is grappling with a question many parents may consider: How much is a covenant worth if the initiate has no agency upon entry? And perhaps the teacher is responding: Do not hesitate with concern that one might become greater by choosing to enter this covenant. Abraham initiated Isaac at the tender age of eight days old, thereby leading him on his path to ultimate realization of a uniquely sublime covenant with God. Rest assured, by endowing your son early with this powerful gift of spiritual receptivity, your little one too shall be afforded the opportunity to fully grow into this awesome covenant.

The most beautiful and intimate bond between God and Man lies ahead for your precious charge - choose greatness for him. His soul will be eternally grateful and confer upon you myriad blessings.