Question: Why do Jews perform ritual circumcision (bris) on the 8th day after birth?
Answer: The answer is in the Hebrew Bible (Torah). Circumcision was part of God's agreement with Abraham, which is called the Covenant (Brit in Hebrew). Abraham circumcised himself, Ishmael and his newborn son Isaac on Isaac's 8th day from birth. This is the precedent upon which the law is based.
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