The bris process, explained gently

What is a bris?

A bris milah — often simply called a bris — is the Jewish ceremony of covenant, marked by the ritual circumcision of a baby boy. The words mean “covenant of circumcision.” It is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in Jewish life, connecting your son to generations of family and faith that came before him.

A mohel (pronounced MOY-el) is the trained specialist who performs the bris. A mohel combines religious knowledge with careful technique — someone who has performed the ceremony many times and does so with reverence, gentleness, and skill.

Why the eighth day?

Tradition calls for the bris to take place on the eighth day of the baby's life, counting the day of birth as day one. So a baby born on a Monday would have his bris the following Monday. The eighth day is observed even when it falls on Shabbat or a holiday.

Who is typically involved?

Part of the beauty of a bris is sharing honors with the people you love. These roles are warm, meaningful, and easy — I'll explain each one and help you decide who does what.

• Sandek — a great honor, often given to a grandfather or close relative, who holds the baby during the ceremony.
• Kvatter & Kvatterin — a couple (often godparents) who carry the baby into the room.
• Parents — who recite a blessing and, most movingly, announce their son's Hebrew name.
• Family & friends — who gather to witness, celebrate, and share in the joy.

What happens during the ceremony

The ceremony itself is brief — usually just a few minutes — and is followed by blessings, the naming, and a festive meal. Here's the flow:

Is it safe? A word on comfort and medical practice

Your baby's safety and comfort come first, always. Because the procedure is so brief — only a few seconds — and uses a careful, time-tested technique, discomfort is kept to a minimum. No injections or drugs are needed, and a gentle topical numbing cream is available on request. Most babies settle within moments, and many sleep right through the celebration afterward.

I perform every bris by hand, in the traditional way — without clamps or mechanical devices. It is this time-honored technique that lets a bris take only seconds, with minimal bleeding and a quick, comfortable recovery.

• Traditional hand technique — no clamps or devices
• Sterile, single-use instruments
• No injections or drugs; optional topical numbing on request
• Careful pre-ceremony check to confirm your baby is ready
• Clear written aftercare instructions and personal follow-up by phone
• Coordination with your pediatrician whenever needed

A traditional bris vs. a hospital circumcision

A bris is not the same as a hospital circumcision. In a hospital, the procedure is usually performed with a clamp or a plastic device — and it is those devices that make it slower and the recovery longer. Performing the bris by hand, in the traditional way, means it is over in seconds. Here is how the two approaches compare.

Choosing the right mohel

Deciding who will perform your son's bris is a personal and important choice. As you consider your options, here are a few things worth looking for.

• [Your point — e.g. experience and training as a mohel]
• [Your point — e.g. medical background and sterile, up-to-date practices]
• [Your point — e.g. warmth, patience, and clear communication with your family]
• [Your point — e.g. willingness to answer questions before and after]
• [Your point — e.g. availability, and personal follow-up during healing]

How to prepare

There's very little you need to do — I bring everything required for the ceremony. Before the day, I'll send you a simple checklist. In general, it helps to have:

• A sturdy table in a well-lit area
• Two soft pillows or a cushion
• Fresh diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for the baby
• Kosher wine or grape juice and a cup for the blessings
• Optional: a tallit or special garment, if your family has one

Most of all, prepare to be present. This is a joyful milestone — try to soak it in.

Before & after: I'm with you the whole way

We'll connect before the bris — by phone or in person — so you know exactly what to expect and every question is answered. Afterward, I provide detailed aftercare guidance and check in personally. Healing is usually quick and uncomplicated, and I remain available to you.