The greatness of the commandment of circumcision is well-known, as it is considered like offering up one’s son to Hashem. If he has been favored by Hashem that he himself knows how to perform the circumcision, that is good, and even if he does not know how to perform it himself, he should be extremely careful to appoint the man performing the circumcision as his messenger, so that it will be as if the father himself had done it. By doing this he will have performed the commandment which was incumbent on him. He should choose the most expert, wise, and fearful of Hashem circumciser that there is in the town, and in that merit his son will be wise and fearful of Hashem.
How good it would be if during the eight days from the birth until the circumcision he would learn Torah in the room of the baby, and especially on the night before the eighth day he should invite wise men to learn through the whole night or at least the majority thereof, and pray for the child.
He should likewise choose a good man for the Sandak (man who holds the baby during the procedure), as this helps the soul of the child, to draw down upon him holiness and a pure heart and correct spirit. It is fitting for the father of the child himself to act as sandak if possible, as he would then be like an altar upon which his son has been offered and he will have the goodwill of Hashem to receive atonement.
