The Brit Milah Ceremony

It is customary for the Brit to be performed in a synagogue. If this is not possible, it can be performed at home or in any other fitting location. It is preferable for the Brit to be performed in the presence of a Minyan (a quorum of ten Jewish male adults over the age of thirteen), for we are taught that when ten Jewish men are gathered the Divine Presence rests on the assemblage in an amplified manner.

It is also customary to have lit candles in the room where the Brit is performed in honor of the auspicious occasion. 

Before the ceremony starts, the Mohel will take a few minutes to prepare his equipment and prepare the baby. 

Once he is ready, the Mohel will announce "Baruch Habah!" ("Welcome!") and the Baby is ushered into the location of the Brit. The baby is passed from his mother to the Kvatterin (Godmother), who in turn, passes the baby to the Kvatter (Godfather). (Traditionally, the Kvatter and Kvaterin are a married couple or a brother and sister). As the baby arrives, it is customary for all those present to rise in his honor. 

The baby in then placed onto the chair of Elijah (a special chair honoring Elijah the Prophet, the spiritual guest who, according to tradition, attends every Brit). Once placed on the chair, the Mohel recites a short prayer welcoming Elijah the Prophet and asking for his assistance in the performance of the Brit. The baby is then lifted from the chair and handed to his father.

At this point, the 'Sandak', who will hold the baby during the Brit procedure, is summoned to sit on the chair. The father is honored with placing the child on the lap of the Sandak (if he is not the Sandak himself).

The father now stands near the Mohel. He must “transfer” his obligation to circumcise his son to the Mohel by appointing him to perform the Brit in his stead. Some have the custom to take the Brit Milah scalpel and give it to the Mohel as a symbolic act of transferring his obligation to the Mohel.

The Mohel then recites a blessing and proceeds with the circumcision. 

Following the circumcision, the father recites a blessing thanking God for the opportunity to have his son entered into the covenant of our forefather Abraham. All present respond, "Amen!  Just as he has entered into the Covenant, so may he enter into Torah, into marriage, and into good deeds!" 

The Mohel completes the Brit procedure and applies medical ointments to promote healing. With an experienced Mohel the entire procedure should last less then 60 seconds with minimum discomfort of the child.

The baby is now lifted from the Sandak's lap and given to the 'standing Sandak'. The standing Sandak will hold the baby as another individual is honored with making the blessings and announcing the baby's Jewish name over a cup of wine. 

After the baby naming, the individual who recited the blessing on the wine drinks the wine. Meanwhile, the father and Mohel recite a short prayer requesting of G-d to send a holy and pure soul to the now circumcised child. We mention the baby's new Jewish name with his father's Jewish name.

The Mohel then recites a short prayer for a speedy recovery. We mention his new Jewish name with his mother's Jewish name.

If there is a Kohen present, it is customary to have him bless the child with the Priestly Blessing.

Mazal Tov! The Brit Milah ceremony is now complete! The Kvatter takes the baby from the Standing Sandak and delivers him to the Kvatter, who in turn, passes the baby to his mother. 

Following the Brit Milah ceremony, a festive meal is served. It is customary that this meal includes bread and festive foods such as meat and wine. Candles are lit to create a joyful and dignified atmosphere. It is customary that the parents say words of thanks to The Almighty, publicly thanking God for gifting them with a healthy child and the ability to perform the Mitzvah of Brit Milah. It is also an appropriate time for them to expound on the meaning of the name chosen for their child. Amongst Hassidim it is customary that the father recites a Chassidic discourse on the subject of Brit Milah. It is also an appropriate time for the Sandak, who now has the spiritual gift to bless, to give blessings at the behest of those present.

During the Grace After Meals, special portions are added in honor of the occasion.

Sometime during or after the meal, the Mohel will check the baby, and give the parents the aftercare instructions.