The Mohel
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- A mohel (sometimes pronounced moyel), is specially trained in the medical and surgical techniques of Bris Milah, and is a super-specialist that only performs circumcisions.
- A mohel is a Jewish man who understands, upholds, and practices the tenets of the Jewish religion, and is an expert in the many Jewish laws pertaining to Bris Milah.
- A doctor’s medical circumcision, usually performed in the hospital within the first few days after birth, does not fulfill the halachic requirements of a Bris Milah and is therefore not considered valid according to Jewish law.
The Baby
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- The Bris Milah of a healthy baby is performed on the eighth day of life. The time of the baby’s birth is important to note since the Jewish day begins at sunset.
- In circumstances when the baby is not in perfect health, even if not seriously ill, the Bris Milah is delayed until both the pediatrician and mohel are in agreement regarding the healthy status of the baby. Newborn jaundice is the most common condition which may cause Bris Milah to be delayed.
The Ceremony
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- The ceremony can take place in any venue including home, synagogue, or catering hall
- There are several honors to be conferred during the ceremony, usually bestowed upon relatives and close friends of the baby’s family. Click on the “Ceremonial Honors” icon for a detailed description and detailed worksheet.
- The baby receives his Jewish name at the ceremony
- There are often refreshments or a meal served after the Bris Milah
Why Give Your Son a Bris?
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- A Bris Milah, sometimes referred to as Brit Milah, or ritual circumcision, is one of the most fundamental and important Mitzvos (commandments) of the Jewish religion.
- In the Torah, Bris Milah is referred to as the covenant of Abraham. G-D gave the mitzvah of Bris Milah directly to Abraham as an eternal covenant signifying the special relationship between G-D, Abraham and his descendants for all time. As it states in Genesis 17:12
“And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations” ובן שמונת ימים ימול לכם כל זכר לדורותיכם - More than any other Jewish ritual, Bris Milah is an expression of Jewish identity and creates an enduring link that connects the child to the Jewish nation.
- Talmudic and Kabbalistic sources speak about the tremendous spiritual benefit bestowed upon those who receive a proper Bris Milah.
- Medical research as well, has demonstrated numerous health benefits of circumcision including:
- Reduction in urinary tract infections[1][2]
- Reduction of penile cancer[3]
- Easier and improved hygiene[4]
- Reduction in penile inflammatory and retractile disorders[5]
- Reduction of many sexually transmitted infections including HIV, HPV, HSV-2[6]
[2] Singh-Grewal, D., Macdessi, J., & Craig, J. (2005). Circumcision for the prevention of urinary tract infection in boys: a systematic review of randomized trials and observational studies. Archives of disease in childhood, 8, 853–858.
[3] Larke, N. L., Thomas, S. L., dos Santos Silva, I., & Weiss, H. A. (2011). Male circumcision and penile cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer causes & control : CCC, 8, 1097–1110.
[4] Krueger, H., & Osborn, L. (1986). Effects of hygiene among the uncircumcised. The Journal of family practice, 4, 353–355.
[5] Mallon, E., Hawkins, D., Dinneen, M., Francics, N., Fearfield, L., Newson, R., & Bunker, C. (2000). Circumcision and genital dermatoses. Archives of dermatology, 3, 350–354.
[6] Mehta, S. D., Moses, S., Parker, C. B., Agot, K., Maclean, I., & Bailey, R. C. (2012). Circumcision status and incident herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, genital ulcer disease, and HIV infection. AIDS (London, England), 9, 1141–1149.
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BRIS FAQ
Have Questions?
- If the mother is Jewish, then the child is Jewish according to Jewish law and a traditional Bris Milah is performed.
- If the mother is not Jewish, the circumcision can be performed as the first step of a conversion should the child choose to convert later on in life. This would negate the need for a procedure termed “hatafas dam” that even circumcised males need to undergo when converting.
I do not charge a set fee for a bris. I would perform a Bris Milah for free if the situation called for it and have done so many times. Quite obviously, there are costs involved in terms of my time and expenses including travel, preparation, medical supplies and initial training. That being the case, I am usually paid for a bris, and the range is typically $600 – $1000. If I have to travel a longer distance, it usually edges near the latter number. Please feel free to discuss cost with me if it is a hardship, cost should never deter anyone from choosing to give their son a bris.
Typically, within a 60-minute drive from Cherry Hill, NJ. If you live farther away, please contact me and I may be able to accommodate you depending on the day and timing of the Bris.
No, as long as the baby has been examined by a pediatrician to screen for any physical anomalies. This is typically performed in the hospital after birth. I will always do a thorough exam prior to the circumcision once I arrive.
Yes, I am more than happy to talk and meet with parents over the phone, via skype/face time or in person if our schedules allow for it.
Please contact me as soon as possible after the birth of the baby. If you are scheduled to have a cesarean section, please contact me once you have a date scheduled. It simplifies the process if you complete the Pre-Register and Schedule a Bris forms.
Metzitza B’peh is a Jewish tradition to jumpstart and aid the healing process. Until the last century it was done by manually suctioning the blood from the Bris site. Today, this is typically done through a more modern and completely sterile technique, utilizing a sterile tube packed with gauze to ensure no communication of germs between the mohel and baby.
