“And I Said To You: In Your Blood

On Friday, the 14th of Marheshvan, the celebration of the Brit (circumcision) for the fifth generation took place—the great-great-grandson of our teacher the Rav shlit"a, son of his great-grandson who serves in the holy court and is a friend of our editorial staff—R' Naftali Hertz Zucker, may Hashem protect him and grant him life. He is the son of the Rav's eldest grandson, the Rabbi R' Nachman Zucker shlit"a, son-in-law of the Mashpia (spiritual mentor), the Rav and Chassid R' Yehoshua Ber Rubinstein shlit"a.

Following a case of jaundice that developed on the morning of the Brit, the Brit was postponed to an unknown time. However, about an hour before the onset of Shabbat, the baby's condition improved, and after an examination by an expert Mohel (ritual circumciser), the family members were informed that the Brit would take place on time: "And at eight days old, every male among you shall be circumcised throughout your generations." Therefore, just a few minutes before the Rav shlit"a went out for the Mincha (afternoon) prayer on the eve of the holy Shabbat, Parshat Vayera, his great-great-grandson entered the covenant of Avraham Avinu (Abraham our forefather) upon the Rav's pure knees. Our teacher the Rav shlit"a named the tender circumcised child Natan ben HaRav Naftali Hertz; just as he entered the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, the Chuppah (wedding canopy), and good deeds.

Due to the proximity to Shabbat, the Seudah (festive meal) of the Brit was set for the Shabbat night meal with the participation of the extended family. Around 7:00 PM, our teacher the Rav shlit"a made Kiddush (sanctification over wine) and afterwards washed his hands for the Shabbat and Brit meal. He delivered a Shiur (Torah lesson) for about twenty minutes. During the Shiur, he spoke about matters of the Parshah (weekly Torah portion) regarding Sarah Imeinu (Sarah our mother) being blessed with children and the loathing of physical desires. Afterwards, he sang all the Zemirot (Shabbat songs) with wonderful vitality. At the conclusion of the Zemirot, he delivered another Shiur for about ten minutes and continued to sing 'Yom LeYabasha' for about fifteen minutes. Afterwards, the public began additional songs in honor of the Seudah of the Brit for many minutes. At 9:00 PM, the Rav shlit"a recited Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) with 'Nodeh LeShimcha' (special additions for a Brit) and also added the customary 'HaRachaman' prayers said at a Brit Seudah. After about two hours and ten minutes of the Shabbat night meal combined with the Brit Seudah, the Rav shlit"a entered his holy chamber.