Q&A: Brit Yitzhak
Brit Yitzhak
Question
Good evening,
With thanks to God, my firstborn son has been born, and only today I became aware of the matter of Brit Yitzhak.
Is Brit Yitzhak Jewish law or a custom, or is it in the category of “a Jewish custom has the force of law”? (I am Moroccan, if that makes a difference.)
And if you could point me to sources on the subject, I would appreciate it.
Answer
It is a custom, and indeed a custom does carry weight. See sources here from the Zohar and the Talmud: https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%AA_%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%97%D7%A7
Discussion on Answer
Is even a Dor Daim follower obligated in this custom?
Obviously not.
But one could say that even though he thinks the importance attributed to the Zohar is nonsense, still, a custom is something binding. Isn’t that so?
From his perspective, it is a foolish custom.
Ah, I forgot the main thing: congratulations and much nachat. May you merit to raise him to Torah, wisdom, good character traits, and good deeds, and also to the wedding canopy. 🙂