1)

How do we know that the Bris Milah must be performed on the male organ?

1.

Rashi and Ramban #1: From the words "Arel Zachar," which connote the part of the body that distinguishes between a male and a female. 1

2.

Ramban #2 (citing Ibn Ezra): "Orlaso" (without specifying which) refers to the location of the Ervah. 2

3.

Ramban #3: The words "Besar Orlaschem" (17:11) imply that one cuts off the flesh that covers a limb, and the only location on the body that fits that description is the flesh that covers the "crown" (of the male organ).

4.

Seforno: The word "bi'Vesarchem" (in the previous Pasuk 17:13) is a refined word for the male organ. 3


1

Gur Aryeh: We already leaned above (17:10) that this Mitzvah only applies to males. The repetition of the word "Zachar" in this verse teaches the place that the Milah is performed.

2

Orlos of other locations are always specific -such as Orlas Lev and Orlas Sefasayim.

3

As we find in Yechezkel 16:26, and in other places.

2)

Why does the Torah designate specifically the male organ for the Mitzvah of Bris Milah?

1.

Seforno (to 17:13): Because it is the limb that is responsible for eternity, which Bris denotes, and because it is the limb that creates the children, whom the Bris includes. 1


1

As in verse 17:10. Also refer to 17:1:4.1:1.

3)

When the Pasuk sentences someone who fails to perform the Bris Milah to Kareis, to whom is it referring?

1.

Rashi: It is referring to the child himself, whose father did not perform the Mitzvah, and who now becomes Bar-Mitzvah, and fails to perform it. 1


1

A father who fails to perform the Mitzvah transgresses an Aseh but is not subject to Kareis.

4)

What is the definition of Kareis?

1.

Rashi: It means that the sinner will die childless, before his allotted time. 1


1

See Sifsei Chachamim.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

5)

Rashi writes: "'That soul will be cut off' (Kareis) - He will be "Ariri," and die before his time." What does "Ariri" mean, and how it is it implied in the Pasuk?

1.

Gur Aryeh: "Ariri" means "childless;" either he will not father children, or his children will die young. 1 This is part of "Kareis," which means to be "cut off" at the source. One's children are comparable to the young branches of a tree; they too stem from the tree's roots.


1

Also refer to 15:2:1.

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