About Brit Milah

Brit Milah (or Bris) is a ceremony rich with tradition spanning over 4,000 years. Brit Milah is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, traditions in Judaism, as it dates back to the very establishment of the Jewish people with the father and mother of Judaism, Abraham and Sarah. As modernity affects how we celebrate our traditions, Brit Milah has continued to be an important ceremony celebrated throughout our generations, in most ways largely unchanged from the way our ancestors performed it.

 

A Bris is usually performed on the eighth day of life. For example, if a baby boy is born on Tuesday, his Bris would take place the following Tuesday. If he is born after sundown on Tuesday night the Bris would be on Wednesday, since in Judaism, a day begins at sunset.  

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A Bris is not normally postponed even for Shabbat or holidays, but may be if a baby is born by cesarean section, if the circumcision is part of a conversion, or for any serious medical concerns.

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If your baby has jaundice, was in the special care nursery, or has any other health problems, it is important that I be made aware. If you are taking any special medications, especially blood thinners, please let me know in advance. I will consult with your baby's health care provider to determine whether the ceremony can take place on the eighth day.

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The Bris can take place in your home or synagogue. I am happy to perform the bris in my office as well, if that is more convenient for you. It is customary to serve some type of meal afterwards, so the location should be somewhere that you are comfortable, that will accommodate the number of guests you expect, and where food can be served.