One of the most controversial aspects of brit mila is the metzitza ba-peh. As we shall see, the Talmud (Shabbat 133a) mentions metzitza ba-peh, oral suction, as one of the three stages of the ritual circumcision. Following the mila and peria, the mohel places his mouth directly on the wound to draw blood out from the cut.
This mishna presents the stages of ritual circumcision — mila, peria and metzitza — and teaches that all three stages are permitted on Shabbat.
The Rishonim disagree as to whether one who has already removed the membrane (peria), but not yet performed metzitza, may still continue to cut the skin which is not integral to the brit mila (tzitzin she-einan me’akkevin).
May the Compassionate One bless the one who cut the flesh of the foreskin (mila), split the membrane (peria) and drew off the blood of the circumcision (metzitza).
And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
O'Roarke thought Gabby's observation was fairly accurate, more accurate than she intended since she, herself, was also among the blockees.
If the time is out of joint, have I any calling or strength to set it right?
