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One of the traditions passed down is the custom of inviting children to
come to the home of the newborn to recite prayers, say Psalms, and make
blessings over food. This is because children's voices are pure and their
souls are unblemished. Their prayers pierce the heavens, forming a
spiritual protection and draw down blessings upon the newborn and the
entire household.
During this night, the parents devote themselves to Torah study, ideally
near the child. Some material has been provided here.
The night before the Bris is called "Leil Shimurim" -- the night
of protection. Jewish mystical teachings explain that because the mitzvah
of Bris Milah is so great and spiritually powerful, negative spiritual
forces are at work to hinder the performance of this mitzvah. Therefore,
one must take positive action during the night before the Bris to serve as
a spiritual protection.
It is appropriate to keep some light on in the child's room throughout the
night.
It
is also customary for the father, the Mohel, and the Sandek (the person
who holds the infant during the circumcision) to immerse in a Mikvah
(ritual bath) on the morning of the Bris.
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The following
prayers are recited by the children, in the presence of the newborn: |
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Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God,
the Lord is One.
Blessed be the name of the glory of His kingdom forever and
ever.
You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart.
You shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall
speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk
on the road, when you lie down and when you rise. You shall bind
them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for a reminder
between your eyes. And you shall write them, upon the doorposts
of your house and upon your gates.
May the angel who has delivered me from all evil bless the lads, and
may my name and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac be called
upon them, and may they increase abundantly like fish in the midst
of the earth.
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The children are
given candies over which they say the following blessing: |
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Blessed
are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, by whose word all
things came
to be. |
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After the children
have finished eating they should recite the "Blessing After a
Snack," |
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