Instructions for Preparation for Brit Milah

​

Please call me within 24 hours of your delivery, if at all possible.  Since I am a full-time Ob/Gyn, the sooner you call the more likely I can accommodate a scheduled time for the service. If I am unable to guarantee myself to you due to scheduling conflicts, I would be happy to recommend another Mohel who may be available.

 

Please purchase:

• Two boxes (about 20 gauzes each) of 4x4 inch gauze squares

• A large tube (preferably) or large jar of Vaseline

• A bottle of Kosher sweet wine (grape) - grape juice can be substituted if you prefer

• A Challah is preferable, but not absolutely required

 

Have on hand for the Bris:

• A nice wine glass or Kiddush cup

• A sturdy table and a chair where we will be performing the ceremony (a well-lit room)

• Diapers and wipes

• A pacifier can help with soothing the child unless you are uncomfortable using one

• Kippot for men, if desired

 

Optional:

I encourage you to prepare a short speech discussing why you chose your son’s English and Hebrew names (who he is named after), thanking your guests for coming and maybe some personal reflections about your pregnancy, spouse, or anything else you’d like to share.

​

For the ceremony, please assign:

• Sitting Sandek: This is the person who symbolically holds the baby during the Bris; often the paternal grandfather, but not necessarily.

• Standing Sandek: Often the maternal grandfather, he will hold the baby on the Chair of Elijah.

• Kvatter and Kvatterin: Two people who carry the baby into the room. Traditionally, this may be a married couple or often the grandmothers.

• Four people to read English readings. In addition, there are also readings for the parents and grandparents (remind them to have their reading glasses available, if applicable).

• The Sandek, Kvatter, and Kvatterin traditionally are Jewish, if possible, but not required.

​

Other instructions:

• Please feed the baby approximately one hour prior to the ceremony.

• Please dress the baby in a gown without feet or bottoms if possible so that it can be raised and lowered for the Bris. If you do not have one, we will make do without it.

• You are welcome to invite your Rabbi to the Bris and we will arrange dividing the ceremony. If you don’t have a Rabbi, I am happy to conduct the ceremony myself, as is often the case. If you don’t belong to a synagogue, a Bris is a nice opportunity to develop a relationship with a Rabbi, which can flourish for many years to come.

 

Important:

• Please notify me if any health problems arise prior to the day of circumcision. This includes jaundice or any personal or family history of bleeding or clotting disorders.

• Please fill out the Brit Milah Information Form and Consent Form which I will send to you and email (preferred) them to me as soon as possible.

​

Thank you and Mazel Tov!

​