In Judaism, we believe that some religious laws (mitzvot) have reasons, while some dont. There is definitely an element of faith involved. Many Jewish laws are there to identify Jews as an individuals nation/people/religion/culture/whatever you want to call it.

For example, keeping kosher causes both a separation from other nations, i.e. cant eat in homes where pork is served and it teaches Jews that every part of their lives, particularly food/sustenance, is related to G-d and dependent on G-d. Its very easy to go on with your daily life without a constant reminder of my relationship with G-d, but when I have to check food for kosher symbols, it gives me a connection in a mundane area where I otherwise would act without thinking.

As stated by a PP, circumcision was a covenant between G-d and Abraham, the 1st Jew/forefather of the Jewish people. It symbolizes a commitment by the parents that they will raise their child in accordance with the Jewish culture and laws. There are different reasons why women are not required to undergo a similar ritual (not circumcision, but some sort of ritual) and I think its primarily bc according to traditional Jewish law, Judaism is from the mother. So even if a Jewish woman chooses not to follow any laws, her children are still Jewish, whereas a man has to choose a Jewish mother for his children to perpetuate the religion.

Anonymous wrote:Circumcision in Judaism can't be boiled down to a "rule." It's a sign of God's covenant with Jews.

Right. It's a way to mark and distinguish Jewish men from other men. Now you could ask why God didn't just do that himself, or make everyone Jewish, I guess, but those are different questions. In the Torah it says that when Abraham accepted the covenant with God, he circumcised himself and his son (and possibly servants, I can't recall) as a sign. He had a choice. Presumably the gentiles he lived among either didn't get that choice, or didn't make it for themselves. Hence the difference and the need for a distinguishing mark.

Also, the Torah is full of stories of testing people with physical hardships. Circumcision is one.

Hygiene

Cleanliness is next to godliness....

Circumcision in Judaism can't be boiled down to a "rule." It's a sign of God's covenant with Jews.

Pretty sure most rules like this evolved from hygiene standards.

Shaving reduces lice. Circumcision prevents some issues, I guess. Or at least, it did back in the day.

I find a lot of religious rules so illogical. Like:

(Islam, Judaism) - why would god create a foreskin, then want you to remove it?

(Islam) - why would god require that you remove your pubic and underarm hair at least every 40 days?

I'm not trying to insult or cause offense, I just don't understand why, if there was a god, he would care about things like this. I know Christianity has weird rules too, I just can't think of any right now. I left Christianity at age 15 because of the illogical, silly, and even violent things I was reading in the bible.

I just find these rules really strange for an all-powerful god to even care about. Can anyone give me any enlightenment?