Mazel Tov! Congratulations on the Birth of Your Son!
Brit Milah, also known as a Bris, is the Jewish ceremony in which a baby boy is circumcised. Circumcision dates back to Sefer Bereishit (the Book of Genesis), when God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his offspring as a sign of the covenant between Jews and God.
The Ceremony
The Bris of a healthy child is held on the eighth day of life (counting the day of birth), never sooner, even if that day be Shabbat or Yom Tov, even Yom Kippur. If the child is delivered by Caesarean section, however, the Brit may not be held on Shabbos or Yom Tov. In the event that the baby is not in perfect health, even if not seriously ill, the Brit is delayed until both the doctor and the Mohel are in agreement as to the healthy status of the baby. Read more about the ceremony |
Rabbi Binyomin Halpern
Traditionally, the parents engage a Mohel to perform the Bris. A Mohel, in addition to being a religious officiant, is a person who is specially trained in the medical and surgical techniques of circumcision. The Mohel is also an expert in the Jewish laws pertaining to Bris Milah. Read More about Rabbi Halpern |
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