Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham and Yishmael get circumcised on the same day?
A: Avraham fulfilled the commandment of brit milah (circumcision) immediately after receiving it from Hashem, showing his great devotion. Yishmael, though not part of the covenant like Yitzchak would be, was included because he was Avraham's son at that time (Rashi on Genesis 17:26).
Q: How old was Avraham when he was circumcised?
A: Avraham was 99 years old when he was circumcised, as stated earlier in Genesis 17:1. This teaches that one should fulfill mitzvot (commandments) with enthusiasm regardless of age (Midrash Tanchuma, Lech Lecha 17).
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'in the selfsame day' in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes 'in the selfsame day' to show that Avraham did not delay in performing the mitzvah. This teaches us the importance of acting promptly when fulfilling Hashem's commandments (Rambam, Hilchot Milah 1:9).
Q: Why was Yishmael circumcised if he wasn't part of the special covenant?
A: While Yishmael wasn't part of the unique covenant that would continue through Yitzchak, he was still Avraham's son at that time. Circumcision was a sign of belonging to Avraham's household, even if not part of the future Jewish people (Rashi on Genesis 17:25-26).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's circumcision?
A: We learn several lessons: 1) The importance of immediate action when performing mitzvot, 2) That age is no barrier to serving Hashem, and 3) The value of following commandments even when they require personal sacrifice (Talmud, Shabbat 130a discusses the merit of brit milah).
The Timing of Avraham and Yishmael's Circumcision
The verse states that Avraham and his son Yishmael were circumcised "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("in the selfsame day"). Rashi (Bereishit 17:26) explains that this phrase emphasizes their immediate fulfillment of the mitzvah—Avraham did not delay performing the circumcision even for a single day after receiving the commandment. This demonstrates his great zeal (זריזות) in serving Hashem.
Avraham's Circumcision at an Advanced Age
According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 47:9), Avraham was 99 years old when he underwent circumcision, which required tremendous faith and devotion. The Rambam (Hilchot Milah 3:8) highlights this as an example of Avraham's unwavering commitment to fulfilling Hashem's commandments despite physical challenges.
The Inclusion of Yishmael
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) notes that Yishmael, though not part of the covenant of Yitzchak, was nevertheless circumcised because he was Avraham's son. The Ramban (Bereishit 17:26) explains that this was part of Avraham's household entering into a state of purity, even though Yishmael's descendants would not inherit the spiritual legacy of Yitzchak.
Symbolism of the "Selfsame Day"