[153] Jews consider it a duty to have guests (אורחים) at the table on three occasions, viz., the Seder-evening, Purim, and Succoth. [↑]
[154] The blessing generally consists of the priestly benediction, and the words of Jacob, “God make thee like Ephraim and like Manasseh” (Gen. xlviii. 20); Sarah, Rebeccah, Rachel, and Leah being substituted for Ephraim and Manasseh when females are addressed. [↑]
[155] A special Service of the day is called יום כפור קטן. [↑]
[156] Friday evening was especially selected for this purpose; the visitors were treated with fruit and sweets; and this secondary element in the custom became in course of time the principal thing. The custom received the name Shalom-zachar, probably from the usual greeting, “Shalom! (“Peace,” corresponding to our “How do you do?”) O male child!” [↑]
[157] In different countries there were different ways of expressing this sentiment. In some congregations a band (mappah) for the Sepher, with the name and birthday of the child inscribed on it, and ornamented with verses expressive of various good wishes, is presented to the Synagogue. [↑]
[158] I.e., a person who circumcises. [↑]
[159] Of those who assist in the mitsvah, the sandek (godfather), who holds the child during the operation, is the most prominent, and is called בעל ברית (“who is in possession of the covenant,” i.e., of the child to be initiated into the covenant). The religious enthusiasm required for the performance of this mitsvah is symbolically represented by “the chair of Elijah” (כסא של אליהו), upon which the child is placed before the operation; Elijah in Jewish Tradition being the type of religious zeal. [↑]
[160] The Service for the occasion is included in the Daily Prayer-book, by Rev. S. Singer, p. 304. [↑]