Circumcision, specifically male circumcision, is a procedure wherein the foreskin is removed from the penis.

The word circumcision has a Latin origin from the words circum, which means “around”) and caedere, which means “to cut”.

However, the act of circumcision itself can be traced back to different cultures since the ancient times. It is especially in countries where Abrahamic faiths, specifically Judaism and Islam, are practiced.

The words ‘Brit Milah’ mean the Covenant of Circumcision. The Brit Milah is commanded in the Bible and was first mentioned in the books of Genesis and Leviticus.

The commandment is widely obeyed by Jews even to this day and is even considered to be the most universally observed commandment with even the most non-traditional or secular Jews undergoing the procedure. The reason for this might be the clear health/hygiene benefits of circumcision although the Jewish faith obviously has deeper reasons for performing their ritual. According to the Bible, a male child is circumcised to signify the covenant between God (Yahweh) and His people (the Jews).

While it isn�t necessary for a Jew to be circumcised in order to become a Jew, however, it is necessary for a Jew to be circumcised if he wants to partake of the Passover feast.

The mohel must be a Jew who is not only skilled in surgical techniques for removal of the foreskin but must also be educated regarding Brit Milah.

Brit Milah is usually performed by the eight day the child is born. The baby is held by an honored person, usually the grandfather or a rabbi, and blessed with words and given a drop of wine while the procedure is going on.

Afterwards the child is then given a Hebrew name.

In cases where a baby cannot be circumcised due to health reasons the circumcision can be held off until given a go signal by the doctor. However, the ritual must still be performed by a mohel and not by an ordinary doctor. The only time a non-Jew doctor may perform the procedure is when a mohel cannot be found.

During rare cases wherein a baby is born without a foreskin the ritual of blessing and dropping of wine is still done. However, since there is no procedure to be done the end of the penis is simply pricked to draw blood and thus symbolize circumcision. The same ritual is required for those circumcised by someone who isn�t a mohel.