The Brit MIlah

The birth of a child is a beautiful miracle, a milestone worthy of celebration. It is from this breathtaking moment that parents begin to nurture and provide for their newborn in every way. For Jewish parents of a baby boy, this means ushering him into his heritage through the eternal celebration of Brit Milah.

The word Brit Milah (or Bris) means “Covenant of Circumcision”. For Jews, circumcision is more than just a physical ritual; it is a sacred covenant that connects us to thousands of years of history and community. Performed on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life, the Brit serves as his formal entry into the Jewish tradition. 

The Brit is the ultimate act of Jewish continuity. In every generation, through all the trials and tribulations we've been through, and in every corner of the world, Jewish parents have brought their sons into this covenant. 

The naming ceremony held during the Brit is a powerful moment where his Hebrew name is announced for the first time. This name carries the hopes of his parents and often honors the memory of loved ones, giving the child a sense of purpose and identity from his very first week of life. 

The person who performs the Bris is called a “Mohel.” He is a master surgeon with special expertise in Jewish ritual circumcision. To qualify as a Mohel one must be an observant Jew and trained in all of the myriad Jewish laws and medical laws pertaining to Brit Milah.

By having the Brit performed by a qualified Mohel one is assured that the entire procedure is acceptable to Biblical and Halachic (Jewish law) standards, and performed in a most medically competent manner.

One should note that having a baby circumcised by a pediatrician surgeon at the hospital does not fulfill the requirements of a Jewish ritual circumcision. In addition, many physicians utilize various methods and procedures, such as the Gomco clamp that causes unnecessary pain to the child, which is forbidden according to Jewish law.

After choosing a Mohel, the Mohel will have a consultation to discuss the medical history and any religious or personal preferences the parents have. The Mohel should also provide a simple list of items to have on hand (such as a Kiddush cup, wine, and specific baby supplies). A competent Mohel should always be available to answer any questions or concerns the parents may have before or after the Brit. 

The Ceremony: The ceremony typically lasts about 20-30 minutes and includes the physical procedure—performed with surgical precision and speed—followed by the naming ceremony and blessings. The baby is typically held by the father or another close family member during the ceremony. The ceremony is followed by a festive meal celebrating the Brit Milah.

For more about the ceremony, see here.

After the Brit, the Mohel's job isn't yet over. Your Mohel should stay in close contact with you after the Brit to provide aftercare instructions and any assistance you need for a swift healing process.