The Ceremony

Before the ceremony, your son will be examined, and a local anesthetic will be administered to minimize discomfort. The event consists of three parts: the ceremony and circumcision, the baby naming, and the customary festive meal known as the seudat mitzvah.

The Ceremonial Circumcision

The first part comprises the ceremonial aspect of the Bris as well as the actual circumcision. This part lasts 20-30 minutes, while the circumcision takes minutes at most. The family may choose to have a Rabbi present, but it is not necessary. The ceremony begins with the lighting of candles, usually performed by close family or friends.

Next, appointed guests (usually grandmothers) will bring your son to the room where the circumcision will take place. As your baby enters, he is greeted with a cheerful "Baruch Haba!" ("Blessed is he who enters!") The Kvatter (godfather) and Kvatterin (godmother) will place your baby on a chair designated for the prophet Elijah.

Next, the father will take your baby from Elijah's chair and pass him to the Sandek. The Sandek is the person who is responsible for watching over your baby during the circumcision procedure. This is considered the most honored position of the ceremony. This honor is often bestowed upon a grandfather.

The parents recite some blessings and then I will ask them if they wish for me to serve as their proxy to fulfill the commandment to have their son circumcised.

The Sandek will hold your baby’s arms while I recite the traditional blessing and perform the circumcision before giving him to his mother. After the procedure is completed and the wound is dressed, the parents recite a prayer recognizing that they have fulfilled the obligation to enter their son into the covenant of Abraham.

The assembled guests recite a prayer of hope for the child expressing their desire for him to become learned of Torah, marriage, and good deeds. A Mishebeirach prayer of healing is recited followed by a Kiddush and a benediction prayer.

The Naming Ceremony

Naming your baby after a family member is a common tradition. Either a "Standing Sandek" (another honored position) or a parent holds your baby during the naming ceremony.The parents can talk about the family member for whom your son is named. Suitable readings may also be performed by parents and honored guests. I (or the Rabbi) will recite the Priestly Benediction.

The ceremony concludes with a traditional singing of "Siman Tov U’Mazel Tov" (May good signs and fortune light your way).

I will stay for a short period after the circumcision to ensure your baby isn't experiencing any complications and to talk with you about care of the circumcision.

The Seudat Mitzvah

What do Jewish people do to celebrate a happy occasion? We eat! After the ceremony, the family will gather together to celebrate this joyous time and centuries-old tradition with a meal.