The Roman Emperor Turnus Rufus, asked Rabbi Akiva, "If HaShem wanted man to be circumcised, why didn't He create man already in that form?" Rabbi Akiva answered that the act of circumcision renders a spiritual rectification.

However, Rabbi Akiva's answer needs a clarification. If HaShem wants man to be without a spiritual flaw, why didn't he just create him in a state of spiritual perfection? Moreover, how does a physical act, i.e., the circumcision, render a spiritual rectification?

Adam, the first man, was created in a perfect spiritual state as well as in a perfect physical stature, i.e., he came into existence already circumcised. However, after Adam and Chavah ate the forbidden fruit, an impure spirit descended upon them, and all of their offspring.

In addition, after he ate the forbidden fruit, his sons that were subsequently born, were born uncircumcised. This physical imperfection holds a great spiritual impurity.

This sheds light on Rabbi Akiva's assertion that the circumcision renders purification. After Adam brought imperfection upon himself and mankind, HaShem mercifully provided a healing path. By performing the Mitzvah of circumcision, man removes the physical imperfection and rectifies his spirit.

In His great love and compassion, HaShem gave us the Mitzvoth to heal our souls and rectify all of our impurities. Observance of the Torah prohibitions heals the spirit, and the performance of the positive Mitzvoth illuminates the soul.

May our compliance with each Torah injunction purge our spirit and restore the splendor of our soul.

[Based on the Ohr HaChaim HaKodesh]