.
Brit Milah Basics

Prior to the Brit Milah:

* Gather your thoughts together regarding how you’d like to make this occasion special. I encourage parents and grandparents to write a short letter or poem for the baby describing his namesake and what special hopes they have for the future. This is a lovely keepsake that can be shared (or not) at the ceremony.

* Any family or friends who you would like to participate should be given their honors ahead of time. This would include the Sandek (usually a grandfather) and the kvatter/kvatterin who will bring the baby into the room. You may also choose to have one or more candle lighters...usually close female family and/or friends. Often times family or friends choose to write a special prayer for this portion of the ceremony.

* I will need two (2) sturdy, medium sized tables for the circumcision. It’s a nice touch to enhance the front of the table with family objects, providing not only an attractive setting but also a bit of privacy for your son during the Bris. I suggest a table cover (a table cloth or family chuppah), family photos (especially of namesakes or special old relatives), a small vase of flowers, family candle sticks and Kiddush cups are family treasures that many parents have used in the past.

* A sturdy chair will need to be placed next to the table to serve as kisei shel Eliyahu...the chair of Elijah. I suggest hanging a family tallit over the back for adornment.

* Finalize the baby’s Hebrew name (I will also need both parents’ Hebrew names...if you don’t know them, please refer to your ketuba).

Day of the Ceremony:

* Feed the baby 30-60 minutes before the ceremony
* Administer Tylenol drops 30 minutes before the ceremony
* Dress the baby comfortably...no long pants
* Have people with honors arrive a bit earlier than the other guests
* Disconnect house and mobile phones during the ceremony. Place
"Ceremony in Progress. Please enter quietly" sign on door
* Let guests know that the ceremony will start on time...your son will appreciate everyone being timely!

I will arrive 30-40 minutes prior to the scheduled time. During this time I will examine the baby and review the roles of any honored guests and the prayers that you as parents will recite (these can be read in either Hebrew or English).

Following the ceremony I will examine the baby again, and answer any final questions that you may have.

A Brit performed according to Jewish tradition is a wonderful beginning for a newborn child. It is a memorable experience, filled with significance and meaning for all those involved. This will be the first of many milestones and happy occasions to be joyously celebrated during your child’s life.

It would be my honor to attend your son’s Brit Milah.

*****

Dr. Richard I. Roberts - Certifed Mohel
TheRoyalMohel.Com
Cell: 516.455.2374