Things to Consider when Planning a Bris

A Bris is a Jewish circumcision ceremony for males who are eight days old. The ceremony is performed by a mohel. Bris in NYC are still common today. The ceremony varies depending on the family and their specific Judaic beliefs.

Orthodox vs. Non-Orthodox

In ancient biblical traditions the father would perform the circumcision. Today, most fathers do not feel comfortable or do not have the proper training to perform the ceremony, so a mohel is designated to perform the circumcision. These men have the proper medical and religious training required for the ritual. Orthodox and non-Orthodox traditions can vary slightly. For example, Orthodox Judaism only allows males to be mohels, while other types of Judaism allow female mohels, called mohelots to perform the ritual. Another difference is the actual circumcision itself. Many doctors and non-Orthodox Jews use a clamp before they cut the skin, while Orthodox Jews usually do not.


Customs and Traditions

Customs dictate that the ceremony be held in a synagogue, but it can also be done in a home as well. It is performed on the eighth day from the boy’s birth according to the Jewish calendar. If it is done prior to the eighth day or is done at night, it is considered invalid and a special procedure must be done. The ritual may be postponed for health reasons, such as a premature birth or other medical issues. A celebratory meal takes place after the ceremony, with traditional prayers and blessings offered. Customarily, people are not formally invited to a Bris, but the time and place are announced; this is traditionally done to not be disrespectful to Elijah the Prophet, who participates in every Bris.

Pain Is Not an Issue

One of the misconceptions about circumcision is the pain it causes to the infant. The use of a perforation clamp, which is used in most hospitals, allows for a bloodless procedure but can cause a great deal of pain to the baby. The ritual procedure is designed to cause the least amount of pain possible. Many claim that it is almost a painless event. The tool that is used in this ceremony is a finely honed blade, similar to a scalpel. Examples are commonly given of adults who are circumcised or accidentally cut with the blade and feel no pain. An infant crying is not a good way to determine pain, considering babies cry when their diapers are taken off, if they are tired, or any other number of reasons. If a family is considering holding a Bris in NYC, it is important to plan ahead to make sure everything goes smoothly and that it is a reflection of the family’s beliefs and personality.