Honorees at The Brit Milah

It is customary to honor friends and family present at the ceremony to participate in different parts of the ceremony. Here is a list of the traditional honorary positions so you can be prepared and know who to honor and how. 

The Kvatterin starts off the Brit ceremony by carrying the baby from the mother to the place of the Brit. At the end of the ceremony it is the Kvatterin who returns the baby back to his mother. This is the one formal honor bestowed upon a woman at a Brit. 

In some communities, the baby is passed from woman to woman, each bringing him closer to the place of the Brit.

The Kvatter carries the baby from the Kvatterin to the location of the Brit and, after the Brit, back to the Kvatterin.

For purposes of modesty, the Kavatter and Kvatterin should be close relatives. (I.e. husband and wife, or brother and sister). Often, the Kvatter and Kvatterin are a couple seeking to have a child, as this honor is deemed propitious for this purpose.  

In some communities, after the baby is passed from the Kvatterin to the Kvatter, the baby is continuedly passed from man to man, each bringing the baby closer to the bris area.

Places the baby on the chair designated as the Chair of Elijah.

Some place great emphasis on this honor.

Lifts the baby from the Chair of Elijah and gives him to the father.

The Sandak is the individual honored with holding the baby during Brit Milah procedure. This is the highest honor at a Brit. 

According to Jewish mysticism, the Sandak is the channel through which the Jewish soul enters the child during the Brit Milah. He is there to protect the child from negative forces and stimulate the child's positive energy. The child receives his good character traits from the Sandak, and if the Sandak is righteous, he can help draw down a holy soul for the child. Therefore, many single out the Rabbi or a Grandfather for this honor.

Since the Sandak will be holding the baby during the circumcision, it is important that he be notified about the honor in advance to be sure he is comfortable with this position.  

Takes the baby from Sandak at conclusion of the circumcision and gives him to the Standing Sandak.

Holds the baby while blessings and prayer are recited, during which the baby is given his Jewish name.

Arizal (1534-1572, one of the most celebrated Kabbalists of all times) considered this an important honor.

Recites the two blessings said following the Brit Milah. 

This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak.

Recites the prayer during which the baby is given his Jewish name.

This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak. This honor is often combined with that of the blessings.

If there is a Kohen present, some have the custom to honor one or multiple Kohanim to bless the child with the Priestly Blessing.

Following the festive meal this honoree recites the invitation to the Grace after meal and the additional 6 Harachamon prayers said specially in honor of the Brit occasion. 

In some communities the Mohel is accorded this honor. In others, a different person  is honored to recites each Harachamon prayer.

For a Printable blank list of honorees click here