The Godfather Awaits the Child (Der Gevatter erwartet das Kind)

Set in the old synagogue in Frankfurt, the scene documents a circumcision, the signal rite of passage for a newborn son, in compliance with Abraham's covenant with God. The mohel who will perform the procedure stands in the center with his knife readied. Next to him on the chair of Elijah sits the godfather, waiting to receive the eight-day-old child. Nearby, a youth carries a candle symbolizing life and the future for the newborn as well as for the Jewish community. The proud father stands with outstretched arms at the doorway, where seven female figures, basking in a golden glow, present the infant. Adding a lively touch, Oppenheim includes a few mischievous boys, gently reprimanded by an elder.