Mishneh Torah, Circumcision 2-3

Hook

Ever feel like you're not "qualified" enough to do something important? Maybe you think only experts can handle big tasks. In Judaism, sometimes the "doing" is what truly counts!

Context

Let's zoom in on a classic Jewish text to see this in action:

• Who: Maimonides (also known as the Rambam) – a super famous Jewish teacher and doctor.
• When: He lived about 800 years ago in Egypt, writing down Jewish law.
• Where: His masterpiece, the Mishneh Torah, a clear guide to Jewish practice.
• What's a Mitzvah?: A Jewish commandment or good deed.

Text Snapshot

Here's a snippet from the Rambam about brit milah (ritual circumcision): "Circumcision may be performed by anyone... Even a person who is himself not circumcised, a slave, a woman, or a minor may perform the circumcision, if an adult male is not present. A gentile, however, should not be allowed to perform the circumcision at all." (Mishneh Torah, Circumcision 2:1, Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Circumcision_2-3)

Close Reading

Insight 1: Everyone's Invited to the Party! (Mostly)

This text is pretty wild, right? It says almost anyone can perform a brit milah (ritual circumcision)! A woman, a minor, even someone who isn't circumcised themselves (in specific cases, of course). This tells us that the mitzvah itself is so vital, God wants it done, even if the person doing it isn't "perfectly" qualified in a conventional sense. It's like, "Just get it done, folks!"

Insight 2: One Key Exception

But hold on, there's one big "no-no": a gentile (a non-Jew). Why? Because brit milah is a sign of a special covenant, a unique bond with God that is specific to the Jewish people. It's about belonging to that particular family.

Apply It

This week, notice a small good deed you might normally think only "someone else" should do. Maybe it's helping a neighbor, or offering a kind word. Just do it! Don't wait for the "expert."

Chevruta Mini

1. Why do you think Jewish law makes it so easy for almost anyone (except a gentile) to perform a brit milah?
2. Can you think of other areas in life where the "doing" is more important than the "doer's" status?

Takeaway

When it comes to doing a mitzvah, God cares more about it getting done than who does it (mostly!).