GEN878 Circumcision. Hashem wants a permanent sign on the bodies of Jewish males in order to set our nation apart from all other nations. He wants us to be physically distinguishable from the other nations, just as we differ from them spiritually. Why are males not born circumcised? Why does the Torah require Jews to perform circumcision on Jewish males? Through this commandment, the Creator alludes to a deep spiritual truth: Just as it is for us to perfect the male body through circumcision, it is possible for us to perfect our souls through our actions.