We are commanded to circumcise male children on the
eighth day after they are born [as it says "And on the
eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be
circumcised"].1 Circumcision was the basis of G-d's covenant
with Abraham, as it says "And I will make my covenant
between Me and you... [you shall circumcise the flesh of
your foreskin and it shall be a sign of a covenant
between Me and you; every male of all your generations
shall be circumcised at the age of eight days...]".2
The responsibility rests on the father; if he does not
do it the courts are responsible; and when the child
grows up the responsibility devolves on him.a If the
child is not well his circumcision is postponed until
he recovers.b Circumcision consists of cutting away the
foreskin and peeling off the membrane under it.c
