About the Ceremony
General Rules about the Ceremony
1. The Bris of a normal healthy child should be held on the 8th day after his birth, even if that day is Sabbath orHoliday, unless he was delivered by Cesarean section. 2. A Bris may not be held before the 8th day, and should only be postponed for medical reasons. 3. The slightest chance of danger requires postponement. Consult both your physician & Mohel. 4. A Bris may only be held during the daytime. 5. A minyan of ten men is preferred, but not necessary. 6. The Mohel must be a religiously observant man trained both in the surgical procedure and relevant Jewish Law. 7. While only Jews participate in the Bris Ceremony, the Ceremony & discussions are informative for both Jews and non Jews who may attend and help the family celebrate. |
You have the opportunity to allow family and friends to participate in this mitzvah.None of these roles are obligatory, as only the Mohel and child must be present for a kosher Bris to have occurred.Kvatar & Kvaterrin: Godfather & Godmother. This couple carries the baby to the Bris. filling this role is a good omen for a childless couple to be blessed.
Chair of Elijah: This gentleman places the baby on Elijah’s chair for a special blessing. Mei Kisei le yad ha Av: This man takes the baby from the Chair of Elijah, & hands him to the Father. Sandek: This gentleman sits and holds the baby during the Bris, and this is the greatest honor. His experience is likened to being a Priest performing the Incense offering in the Beis Ha Mikdash. Sandek Sheni (M’Umad) : This gentleman holds the child during the blessings after the Bris, when his Hebrew name is given. Mevorach: This gentleman is honored with reciting the blessings after the Bris, including the giving of the Hebrew name. |