Shabbat 130: Preparing for Circumcision on Erev Shabbat and on Shabbat

Rabbi Eliezer says that if one does not bring a tool to circumcise the child on erev Shabbat, he brings it on Shabbat uncovered so that everyone understands that it is a brit scalpel.  In times of danger when we are not permitted to circumcise, it is covered in the presence of witnesses who will testify that he brought the scalpel for no reason other than to perform this mitzvah.  Further, we may cut down trees to prepare charcoal to help fashion iron tools for circumcision.  Rabbi Akiva argued that any prohibited labour that can be performed on erev Shabbat cannot override Shabbat, including transporting the circumcision scalpel.  But any prohibited labour regarding circumcision that cannot be performed on erev Shabbat overrides Shabbat.  

The Gemara discusses:

• why the scalpel might be transported uncovered on erev Shabbat
• the validity of the two witnesses
• where Jews did not follow the laws regarding family relationships and circumcision without weeping (Numbers 11:10)
• Donning phylacteries requires a clean body like that of Elisha, which might mean not passing wind in them and might mean not sleeping in them
• Elisha was called the Man of Wings because he took off his phylacteries in the marketplace when approached by an official, who asked what was in his hand.  He said "a dove's wing", and they became a dove's wings
• The people of Israel are like a dove (Psalms 68:14), we are protected by mitzvot as a dove is protected by its wings.
• Scalpels were brought in atypical ways, including on roofs and courtyards
• Courtyards, enclosures and alleyways may or may not be considered to be parts of people's homes and thus included in their private domains