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Brit Milah
Ritual Circumcision
"...and on the eighth day shall the flesh of his foreskin be circumcised."(Leviticus 12:3)
RABBI YITZCHOK ADLER is the spiritual leader of Beth David Synagogue in West Hartford, Connecticut. He has performed brit milah for over ten years. His efforts are endorsed by rabbis, doctors and hospitals from across the region. He is happy to travel in his desire to bring this mitzvah and the warmth of Jewish tradition to Jewish families everywhere. Rabbi Adler can be reached at 860-236-1241.
With the birth of a son, you have been blessed with the opportunity to share in the process of creation. As responsible Jewish parents, you have the privilege of linking your child with the destiny and hopes of our people by ushering him into the covenant of Abraham. You will provide your child with the opportunity of beginning life in the sacred tradition of his ancestors.
This page has been prepared to help answer some of your questions regarding brit milah. By understanding more about this mitzvah, it is hopes that your simcha will be all the more joyous and rewarding. If you have any specific questions, feel free to call Rabbi Yitzchok Adler at 860-236-1241.
BRIT MILAH is usually performed on the eighth day of the child's life. This is in conformity with the Biblical precept "...and he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male child in your generation." (Genesis 17:12). For example, if your son was born on a Monday, his brit would be the following Monday. However, if he was born after sunset, the brit would be on the following Tuesday. This is because, in Jewish tradition, the evening is part of the following day. The brit is performed on the eighth day even if that day is the Sabbath or a Jewish holiday, provided that Jewish law need not be violated. If the child is delivered through a cesarean section, or if for any reason it is postponed past the eighth day, then the brit may not be held on the Sabbath or holiday. Brit Milah is never performed if it poses any danger to the infant. The doctor's advice to delay a brit is always heeded. In cases of severe illness, a delay of seven days following full recovery is required. Brit Milah, more than any other ritual, is the ultimate affirmation of Jewish identity. Its performance is a declaration of faith. the act through which parents usher their son into the nation that has proudly survived the ravages of holocausts and the pressures of assimilation.
BRIT MILAH should be performed by a mohel. This person must be expert in the latest medically approved surgical and sterilization procedures. He, like a surgeon, must do his utmost to protect the baby from blood loss and infection. He must be expert in the Jewish laws pertaining to Brit Milah. A mohel must be pious, a practicing Jew who honors and upholds the Torah.
THERE ARE SEVERAL HONORS that may be bestowed at the brit. The most prestigious is that of sandek, the person who holds the baby during the procedure. In many families, this honor is extended to a grandfather. The godparents, one male and one female, known as k'vater and k'vaterin respectively, present the baby at the brit. More than one set of godparents may be chosen for this honor, and friends or relatives may be selected. Finally, the sandek m'umad is the individual honored with holding the baby as he receives his name.
A SPECIAL CHAIR is designated in the room where the ceremony is to take place. This chair is called the "seat of Elijah," kisei shel Eliyahu. Just as the spirit of this prophet attends every Passover seder, this spirit is present whenever a Brit Milah is performed and celebrated. Rabbinic literature refers to Elijah as "the angel of the covenant." A minyan, though recommended, is not required.
IT IS CUSTOMARY to name the child after someone who led an admirable life, so that the child might strive to emulate the ways of that person. Ashkenazic families often name their children for dearly departed relatives. Sephardic families usually name their children in honor of living relatives. Names may be adapted from male to female and visa versa. A brit performed in compliance with Jewish tradition links the child to his brethren throughout the world. Properly planned, it will forever be a source of happy memories for your entire family and circle of friends.
PIDYON HABEN is the Torah mitzvah of redeeming the first born male child of the mother. The history of this mitzvah dates back to the days of the Jewish sojourn in ancient Egypt. The process of this mitzvah involves the baby and his parents, a kokayn and your rabbi. If either the father of mother of the baby is the child of a kohayn or a levi, the baby is exempt from this ritual. A child delivered through cesarean section is exempt. Pidyon HaBen takes place on the thirty-first day of the child's life. Your rabbi or Rabbi Adler, should be contacted for guidance in the fulfillment of this mitzvah. |
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