Translation:

Covenant of Circumcision

Definition:

Brit Milah is both the Hebrew term for circumcision and the term used for the circumcision ceremony performed when a Jewish boy is eight days old.

Traditionally Brit Milah is carried out on the eight day after birth- i.e. the next time the same day of the week comes round, even if the eighth day were to fall on a Sabbath or Festival, though traditionally the mohel might need to make preparations the day before. If the circumcision has to be delayed, for medical reasons, then it will not take place on a Sabbath or Festival.

Delay may be because the baby is unwell, of low birth weight, or because the nearest mohel cannot physically get there in time!

Most religious circumcisions will be performed in the family home, though synagogues and hospital rooms are sometimes used. Some have a large event, some have only the 'sandek' (the godparent, who will hold the baby for the circumcision, as later in life he or she will help and guide the child) present. Men, women and children are welcome, as they wish, as long as there is some elbow room for the mohel to work!

When a parent contacts the mohel, they should have a pen and paper to hand. The mohel will explain about the medical aspects of circumcision, consent for the operation, what is needed on the day in terms of equipment, the religious requirements, pain-relief, and any expenses, costs or donations to good causes. Most mohelim would like your rabbi to be present, if possible.

The minimum requirements are:

1. Agreement on the Jewish name for your son!
2. A warm, clean, well illuminated room.
3. Two, upright, wooden chairs with no arms, best placed near to the good light.
4. One small, coffee type table for medical instruments
5. One Sandek, or equivalent.
6. At least one parent to join in the service.
7. Candles (lighted) and kosher red wine.
8. Most mohelim carry some service texts, though you should ensure there are enough for the size of gathering.
9. Any medical supplies e.g. cotton wool, as discussed with the mohal.
10. You need to ensure that any guests are punctual, as a hungry baby is a cross baby

When a Brit Milah is being performed, there will be blessings to be read, before the operation, and further blessings and a brief Naming Ceremony after it.(from “Circumcision & Mohalim – A Parents’ Guide” by Association of Reform and Liberal Mohalim).

A basic Brit Milah ceremony might use the following structure: The baby is brought into the room by the parent or the sandek, often to songs of welcome such as Barukh HaBa. Sometimes the parent will bring him partway in and then hand him to the sandek. The sandek hands the baby to the mohel, who will place the baby momentarily on the chair designated as Elijah’s chair. The baby is then placed upon the surface designated for the procedure. Depending on the practice of the mohel, the sandek might assist by holding the infants legs. The actual circumcision is then performed. Some mohelim with then perform metzitzah, a ritual suctioning of the blood from the wound, a practice derived from an ancient method of disinfection. At this point, the parent(s) recite blessings over the commandment of circumcision and of gratitude for bringing everyone to this auspicious moment in time. The mohel says the blessing over wine and a blessing referring to the covenant. Often at this time the baby’s Hebrew name is officially announced. There is a custom of giving the baby a few small drops of wine. Finally, as is customary of so many rituals within the Jewish tradition, it is common to follow the ceremony with a celebratory meal, complete with blessings and songs.

Sources:

• God’s commandment of Brit Milah to Abraham (Gen 17:9-14)
• Abraham circumcises all the males of his household (Gen 17:23-27)
• God commands a nation-wide circumcision before the Israelites enter Canaan (Joshua 5:2-8)
• Service at a Circumcision (Siddur HaTefillot, page 438-440)

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