This discourse explores the spiritual significance of brit milah, analyzing two dimensions in which our connection with G-d may be realized. For in truth, there are two forms of spiritual circumcision. Initially, man must "circumcise his heart" freeing himself to the best of his ability from his negative, physical drives; ultimately, though, it is G-d who truly liberates man from his material attachment.
What exactly is the milah covenant and what does it signify? The founder of the Chabad movement, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, delivered the text of this discourse in 1802 to probe the deeper, mystical dimension of the mitzvah of milah.
The freshly translated, extensively annotated text is crowned by an original introduction that sets the entire discourse into context. Supplemented by writings on the uniqueness of milah by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson and stories pertaining to the birth and circumcision ceremonies of the Lubavitcher Rebbes, The Eternal Bond is essential reading, and an excellent addition to the ever-popular Chasidic Heritage Series.
