What is a bris?

A bris, or brit milah, is a significant Jewish ritual that marks the covenant between the Jewish people and God, performed on the eighth day of a boy’s life. Timing is crucial; if a child is born before sundown, that day is considered the first day of life, while those born after sunset begin counting from the next day. Consequently, a child born during the day on a Tuesday will have the bris the following Tuesday, whereas one born on Tuesday night will have it the subsequent Wednesday. The ceremony takes place during the daylight hours.

What happens?

During the bris, several honored participants are typically staged, including the G-dparents, referred to as Kvatterin and Kvatter, who carry the child into the room, and the Sandek, who holds the child on their lap during the ceremony. Additionally, there may be individuals assigned to specific roles, such as lighting candles or reciting blessings over wine and the meal.

Technique

For the actual circumcision, I utilize the GOMCO clamp, ensuring maximal safety and minimal discomfort for the child. Anesthesia is essential; I administer both a sweet, orally-taken liquid and a local anesthetic to numb the area, allowing many children to peacefully sleep through the procedure.


Naming your son

As part of the ceremony, I also perform the naming, where you are encouraged to share the choice of your son's name. Coordination with your rabbi is possible; just provide their contact information for seamless communication.

Your son’s health is paramount for this rite. It is vital to confirm that he is healthy and to discuss any concerns or anomalies with me or your pediatrician beforehand. Additionally, there are specific prerequisites: he should weigh a minimum of 5 pounds, must not have eaten within the hour leading up to the bris, and should have received his vitamin K injection at birth to aid in clotting and minimize bleeding risks.

Customary traditions include a celebratory meal, with challah and wine being the bare minimum to observe. It’s important to note that the ceremony can occur on Shabbat as well, and I am available to answer any queries regarding this.

Inclusivity is a principle I uphold; I can perform a bris even if one parent is not Jewish. Feel free to contact me for further discussions on this matter.

As you prepare for the ceremony, some essential items to have on hand during and after the bris include a pacifier (for comfort during the procedure), a thin receiving blanket, sweet wine or grape juice, cotton balls, gauze squares, hydrogen peroxide, and petroleum jelly, preferably in a squeeze tube.

Should you have any questions while organizing the bris or require additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your son’s milestone is significant, and I am here to assist you in ensuring the ceremony is meaningful and memorable.

Questions?

Message me!

I'm happy to talk with you about your son's bris. Feel free to reach out before or after he's born for answers to your questions.