Obj. ID: 39569 Brit 'Olam by Chaim Yosef David Azulai, Tunis, circa 1900
2 image(s)
sub-set tree:
This text was prepared by William Gross:
It was customary for Mohalim (circumcisers) to possess circumcision books which contained the laws and prayers relating to circumcision as well as directions for the mohel regarding the proper procedure for performing the ceremony. These books were intended to be brought to the circumcision ceremony and were consequently small in size to as to be easily portable. Such books are found in manuscript form, especially in the 18th century as a part of the renaissance of small illustrated prayer manuscripts. But printed books were cheaper and more accesable to the average mohel.
This is a book printed with prayers, customs and amulets for the circumcision ceremony and prayers for the mother and child. The book is written in both Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic. At the end of the book is pictured an amulet for the child's protection.