In the Sefer Agra D’Pirka, Horav Tzvi Elimelech, zl, m’Dinov (popularly known as the Bnei Yissachar), quotes Horav Shlomo, zl, m’Karlin, who cites a Midrash (which is not extant): Hashem commanded Eliyahu HaNavi to come to Brissim, circumcision ceremonies. Eliyahu was not happy about this, expressing his concern due to his natural aversion to sin. (Eliyahu is Pinchas, who exacted vengeance for Hashem against Zimri.) How could one who is a kanai, zealot, come to the Bris in which the father is a non-practicing Jew? Hashem replied, “I will forgive him”. Eliyahu continued, “What if the guests are sinners?” Hashem countered, “I will also forgive them”. Eliyahu asked one more question, “If the Mohel, ritual circumciser, is a sinner?” Hashem said, “I will forgive him too”. Eliyahu did not agree to attend the Bris until Hashem guaranteed him that He would forgive all of the attendees.
The Bnei Yissachar now explains the above pasuk, “Because he took vengeance for his G-d, and he atoned for Bnei Yisrael. Due to Pinchas/Eliyahu’s inflexibility concerning compromise with a sinner, because of his zealousness borne of love for Hashem, Hashem forgave all of the sinners involved in the Shittim debacle. Eliyahu attends Brissim as a testament to Hashem’s promise to grant forgiveness to the attendees of a Bris. Otherwise, Eliyahu would not attend.
Horav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zl, wonders how a Bris could have a greater power of forgiveness than Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year; the day referred to as the Day of Atonement atones only if the sinner sincerely repents. Otherwise, it passes, and he continues to remain an unrepentant sinner. Yet, attending a Bris is a guarantee of forgiveness. What does a Bris have that Yom Kippur does not? Rav Shlomo Zalman explains that the Bris has Eliyahu HaNavi who cannot tolerate the spiritual stain created by sin and sinners. As a result, Hashem gave him an assurance that He would absolve the sinners.
Thus, a Bris is a propitious opportunity for spiritual ascendancy. Perhaps, if we would realize the auspiciousness of this occasion and the extraordinary opportunity available for us (especially if we are in need of a yeshuah, salvation), we would do more than grab a bagel and run. Our mere presence has a personal spiritual effect. Why squander it?
Eliyahu HaNavi visits with us during another occasion: the Pesach Seder, when we celebrate yetzias Mitzrayim, the Egyptian exodus. Why Eliyahu? He is, after all, the herald of the Final Redemption. Perhaps there is a deeper meaning. Eliyahu HaNavi is referred to as Malach HaBris, since he attends every celebration. He serves as a testament that Hashem’s People still adhere to the Bris, covenant. The Korban Pesach may be eaten only by a Jew who is circumcised. An areil, uncircumcised Jew, may not partake. Korban Pesach and Bris Milah go hand in hand. Therefore, following every Bris and every Seder, Eliyahu serves as our intercessor to Hashem.
