Can some one tell me why is the first covenant between God and Abraham important to Judaism?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/history/firstcovenant.shtml
And Jewish boys are still being circumcised.
The first covenant between God and Abraham is extremely important in Judaism for several reasons. This covenant, also known as the Covenant of Circumcision, is described in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament).
To understand its significance, I'll explain how it came about and its main elements. According to the biblical account, God chose Abraham to be the father of a great nation, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. In return, God asked for Abraham's loyalty and for him to circumcise himself, his male offspring, and any male slaves as a sign of their commitment to the covenant.
Now, let's explore why this covenant is so important to Judaism:
1. Foundation of the Jewish people: The covenant with Abraham is seen as the foundational moment when the Jewish people were formed. Abraham is considered the first Jew, and his descendants, particularly Isaac and Jacob, are seen as the patriarchs of the Israelite nation.
2. Divine promise and chosenness: The covenant represents God's promise to Abraham that his descendants will be numerous and will inherit the land of Canaan. This promise, often referenced throughout the Hebrew Bible, serves as a source of hope and identity for the Jewish people.
3. Spiritual obligation: Circumcision is considered an essential ritual in Judaism, representing a physical and spiritual connection to the covenant. Jewish males are traditionally circumcised on the eighth day after birth, symbolizing their entry into the covenant and the Jewish community.
4. Moral and ethical responsibilities: The covenant is not solely about lineage and land; it also sets forth moral and ethical principles. Abraham, as the exemplar of faithfulness, is portrayed as the embodiment of hospitality, righteousness, and justice.
5. Continuity and tradition: The covenant established a sacred bond between God and Abraham's descendants. It is a reminder of the enduring relationship between the Jewish people and God, encompassing subsequent covenants, commandments, and obligations found in later Jewish texts.
Understanding the importance of the Covenant of Circumcision enhances one's comprehension of Judaism as a whole, as it lays the groundwork for the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people.