tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14226844.post112069864587517984..comments2007-02-23T09:37:55.560+02:00Jew Speakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16598706736321879643noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14226844.post-1120782451433866222005-07-08T03:27:31.433+03:002005-07-08T03:27:31.433+03:00For the Polynesians, Mayas of Yucatan, natives of Africa etc. circumcision is a widespread practice. In many cultures circumcision is believed to insure fertility. It also represents the attainment of manhood among those who practice this at puberty when it is extremely painful so that the youngster involved is obliged to exhibit a great deal of courage to undergo this practice.<BR/><BR/>However from a Jewish perspective *Brit Milah* literally means "covenant of circumcision." Abraham, Judaism's founding father, was the first person in history to have a *Brit Milah*.<BR/><BR/>Abraham vowed that he would teach his descendents to serve God with perfect devotion. In return, God promised to guarantee the survival of Abraham's progeny -- the family of Hebrews that became the nation of Israel that have since been known as the Jews.<BR/><A HREF="http://www.aish.com/literacy/lifecycle/What_is_Circumcision$.asp" REL="nofollow"><BR/>more on circumcision</A>Jew Speakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16598706736321879643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14226844.post-1120774636552067352005-07-08T01:17:16.553+03:002005-07-08T01:17:16.553+03:00Although in fairness Judaism did essentially bring it to the West.Mississippi Fred MacDowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02734864605700159687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14226844.post-1120774209367660892005-07-08T01:10:09.366+03:002005-07-08T01:10:09.366+03:00Jews didn't "bring circumcision to the world". It was a long established custom in ancient Egypt and many other cultures at the time and since circumcize.Mississippi Fred MacDowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02734864605700159687noreply@blogger.com