Setting the Next Stage

“And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin should be circumcised.” (Vayikra 12: 3)

The wicked Roman commander Turnus Rufus asked Rabi Akiva, “Whose deeds are more beautiful, those of G-d or those of man?”

Rabi Akiva answered, “The deeds of man are more beautiful.”

Despite this admission, Turnus Rufus continued, “So why do you circumcise yourself?”

To underscore his point, Rabi Akiva showed some ears of corn and said, “This is the work of G-d.” Then he showed some small cakes and said, “These are the work of man. Are they not more beautiful than the ears of corn?”