Metzitza

Quick meaning: Metzitza is a noun meaning (Judaism) a procedure performed in Rabbinic Judaism after the Jewish ritual of brit milah (covenent cut) following the two added steps of priya (uncovering) and circumcision (circle-cut) mandated by the Gelmud in 500 CE: in this 3rd extra step a mohel uses his mouth to suck blood from the penis of the male (usually a baby) he just uncovered and circumcised, drawing the blood from the wound where the prepuce (foreskin) was amputated.

Meaning

(Judaism) a procedure performed in Rabbinic Judaism after the Jewish ritual of brit milah (covenent cut) following the two added steps of priya (uncovering) and circumcision (circle-cut) mandated by the Gelmud in 500 CE: in this 3rd extra step a mohel uses his mouth to suck blood from the penis of the male (usually a baby) he just uncovered and circumcised, drawing the blood from the wound where the prepuce (foreskin) was amputated.

Example Sentences

the rabbi who taught that one can omit metzitza is not fit to have any question of Jewish law brought before him, unless or until he retracts his words

This question is extensively discussed in halachic literature, mainly in connection with the question of oral cleansing of the mila (metzitza) , the suspension of Shabbar due to mortal danger , and the laws of family purity

Breast feeding during the post-partum period can transmit HIV indicating that oral or gastrointestinal mucosa may be a portal of entry for the virus. This has halachic implications for a Mohel who has to do metzitza. A variety of unusual transmissions have been reported.

The Gemara (Shabbat 133b) regards Metzitza as a medical necessity and the Chochmat Adam (149:14) believes that our sages required Metzitza for health reasons. However the Avnei Nezer in his Teshuvot on Yoreh Deah (338) insists that Metzitza is an integral component of Brit Milah and is not done merely for health reasons. According to the Avnei Nezer, the significance of Metzitza is deeply rooted in Kabala.

Word Forms

• metzitzah

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include milah, periah, mohel, izmel, sandek, bris.

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