The ritual circumcision of a Jewish male infant typically occurs on the eighth day following birth. This timing is determined by the Hebrew calendar, and the day of birth is counted as the first day. Should the eighth day fall on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, the ceremony still proceeds as scheduled, overriding standard Sabbath or holiday restrictions.
This practice is a fundamental component of Jewish tradition, representing a covenant between God and the Jewish people, tracing back to Abraham. Performing the ceremony on the eighth day signifies more than just a physical act; it is a symbolic entry into the Jewish faith and a commitment to its values. The health and well-being of the child are paramount, and the procedure is only performed if the infant is deemed medically stable.
