It is a thanksgiving meal. Jews are offering thanks to YHWH that the baby was born safe and sound. Birth
(especially in the past) was a very dangerous time for the (mother and) baby, so they thank YHWH that the
baby survived this ordeal (Terumas Hadeshen, vol. 1, siman 269).
They come to cheer up the child who has just forgotten all the Torah he studied while in his mother's womb
(see Niddah 30b) (Taz and Derisha on Yoreh De'ah, siman 265).
According to kabbalah, a child is not ready to be circumcised until he has gone through a Shabbat
(Sabbath), for the Shabbat provides the infant with the spiritual power necessary to enter into a lasting
covenant with Hashem, The Creator. (This is (one of) the biggest reasons why the bris is on the eighth day:
to ensure that a Shabbat passes). For this reason, the Jews have a special celebration on the Shabbat after
the baby is born (based on the Zohar, beginning of Parshas Tazria).
The advantage of the third reason is that, according to this reason, we can understand why shalom zachars
are only done for boys. Although the Scripture does not mention it, Y‘shua‘s family strictly followed the
Hebraic roots and traditions and would have gone through this celebration.
Informing versus Inviting:
What is the reason behind the peculiar custom of "informing" family and friends about a bris but not actually
"inviting" anyone?
It is customary not to issue a direct invitation to the circumcision meal, for one may not refuse to attend. To
do so would be equal to turning down the opportunity to perform a Mitzvah (commandment).
The Rama writes (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, 265:12, based on Talmud Pesachim 113b), that since one
who is invited to a bris and does not participate is "excommunicated from Heaven‖, we should refrain from
inviting people to a bris in order to spare them the possibility of suffering this disgrace. This may explain why
not much is said in the Scriptures about Y‘shua‘s brit.
Why did YHWH choose the sexual organ to place thereon His eternal covenant with His Jewish nation?
There are two primary reasons why YHWH commanded the Jew to place the symbol of their covenant in the
male sexual organ:
YHWH wanted this sign to be in the very part of the body which symbolises pleasure. This is supposed to be
a constant reminder to them that they should be focused on their special relationship with YHWH and not get
lost in life's pleasures and vices. Basically, they should always keep in mind that which is important and that
which is quite trivial.
They place their sign on their reproductive member, for they pass on their covenant with YHWH to their
children. (The Rambam writes that cutting off the foreskin actually lessens a person's sexual pleasure.)
Customs:
The three main participants: the father, mohel and sandak, wear talitot (prayershawl).
Shalom Zakhor (also Ben Zakhor): On the first Friday night after a boy is born, it is customary to celebrate by
gathering in the home of the newborn to welcome him. "As soon as a male comes into the world, peace
comes into the world‖. (Talmud, Nidarim 31b). YHWH finished the creation of the world with the Sabbath and
introduced peace and rest. Thus the Sabbath surrounds the newborn with an aura of holiness and enhances
his entry into the Covenant of Abraham, the Jewish father.
It is customary to light lamps in the room where the brit is to take place.
The Power of Eight:
Abraham was in his 90‘s when he circumcised himself; he had extreme self-control and a powerful mind; he
understood what he was doing; and, understanding the critical importance of the ―pact‖, circumcised his first
son Yishmael (Ishmael) at the age of 13. At that stage, Yishmael was capable of asking intelligent questions.
His relationship with YHWH thus began with intellect.
His second son, little Isaac was only eight days old when he got ―brissed‖. Eight is one step beyond the
natural. Seven symbolises perfection and nature: the never-ending routine of weekdays and weekends;
sunrise, sunset; day in, day out. Eight is beyond that. Eight symbolises the supernatural and new beginnings.
As an eight-day-old infant, Isaac had no intellect—just an overarching, permanent awareness of YHWH
scorched into his subconsciousness from his earliest days. His relationship with YHWH was begun in a
supernatural manner.
The survival of the Jewish people throughout the ages is supernatural. No one can explain it. And the Jewish
nation‘s very nature is supernatural because they descend not from Yishmael the rationalist, but from Isaac