Q&A: On a Strange Commandment and Morality
On a Strange Commandment and Morality
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I’ve been struggling with and thinking about the commandment of circumcision for several years already. I’ve read a great, great deal of material on the subject. I simply keep thinking all the time that they took from me, and from other people, a high level of sexual pleasure.
Unlike keeping kosher and the like, where at a certain stage you are your own master, here there’s no going back.
One can discuss the morality of the matter, etc. etc., but this thing just won’t leave my thoughts.
I’d be glad to hear your take on the subject—maybe it will give me some new perspective.
Answer
Even if you are factually correct—I don’t know what is actually known about that—I do not see a substantive difference between a command from the Holy One, blessed be He, directed to you or to your father. Any system of education, learning, and any process you go through in your parents’ home affects your life, increasing or decreasing various pleasures in the future. A father is supposed to do what is right for his son, even if it is irreversible.
With all due respect, we have heard of far worse disasters than some decrease in sexual pleasure, even if that is true.