Q&A: A Holy Circumcision or a Holy Sabbath?
A Holy Circumcision or a Holy Sabbath?
Question
The uncles and aunts who do not observe the Sabbath properly will also be coming to the circumcision.
That is a fact, and it is not really in the baby's father's power to change it.
It will also be filmed and documented even if it is held in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
A religious court, or an angry synagogue sexton, or both together, will not help.
In such a situation, is it permitted, or perhaps even preferable, to postpone the circumcision to Sunday?
Answer
I do not think it is proper to postpone the circumcision. Whoever commits those transgressions—that is their problem, not yours. But it is also not correct to assume that a religious court will not help. Inform the people involved that you are not willing to accept this, and if they insist—they are not invited. They should not come at all.
Discussion on Answer
I didn't understand. Do you mean that human dignity would allow them to desecrate the Sabbath? And what exactly would it override? Sabbath prohibitions? Circumcision at its proper time? Are you serious?
And if they would be offended that the circumcision is not being held in their home—would we also then say "human dignity is so great," and travel to them on the Sabbath, since after all it overrides a prohibition in the Torah?
Perhaps the positive commandment of "on the eighth day" should be set aside because of human dignity.
After all, inviting them for the Sabbath is forbidden.
Not inviting them is an injury to human dignity.
And why shouldn't we say that human dignity is so great that it overrides a positive commandment in the Torah?