Circumcision among Portuguese Jews and the redemption of the firstborn

Sheet with two depictions of Jewish customs surrounding birth. Top: An eight-day-old boy is circumcised. The circumcision is performed by the mohel, who kneels before the newborn. Surrounding him are onlookers, and in the background in another room, the mother of the child. Bottom: The redemption or redemption of the firstborn son. A descendant of Aaron holds the newborn on his arm. According to Jewish custom, firstborn sons are dedicated to God and destined for the priesthood. The father offers the man a bowl of coins to redeem his son from this. In a chair sits the mother of the child. Below the images, an explanation in French.