“On the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”
— Leviticus 12:2
Circumcision is not just a medical procedure—it’s a mitzvah. This act marks the completion of the body and reminds us that achieving spiritual, emotional, and ethical growth requires human effort.
The Brit symbolizes our eternal partnership with G‑d—etched in our flesh, never forgotten.
This section outlines the full ceremony, step by step:
The Bris is performed on the eighth day after birth, between sunrise and sunset.
If health complications arise, it is postponed until the baby is confirmed to be in stable condition.
Ideally performed at a synagogue after morning prayers, but it can also take place at home or other suitable venues.
The mother brings the baby to the Bris location.
A husband-and-wife team is chosen as kvatters (honored messengers).
The woman (dressed in her finest) receives the baby from the mother.
She hands him to the man (wearing a tallit) who carries the baby to the front.
After the Bris, the kvatters return the baby to the mother in reverse order.
A designated chair of Elijah, the “Angel of the Covenant,” is prepared at every Bris.
An attendee is honored with placing the baby on this chair.
The Mohel chants: “This is the seat of Elijah…”, and invokes Elijah’s protection for a safe ceremony.
The Sandek is honored to hold the baby during the Bris.
The baby is lifted from Elijah’s chair and handed to the father, who places him on the lap of the Sandek.
The Sandek’s hands are sanitized, and he is instructed not to move.
The father hands the surgical knife to the Mohel, appointing him as his agent to perform the Bris.
The Mohel recites the blessing:
“Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning circumcision.”
The father then recites:
“Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to enter him into the Covenant of Abraham our father.”
The crowd responds:
“Just as he has entered into the Covenant, so may he enter into Torah, into marriage, and into good deeds.”
A second person, the Standing Sandek, holds the baby during the naming.
The blessing is recited over a cup of wine, as part of the naming ceremony.
The Mohel gently places a few drops of wine into the baby’s mouth.
The child’s Hebrew name is formally announced.
A communal meal follows the Bris to celebrate the joyous occasion.
Participants wash hands and eat bread, with a meal of meat, fish, or dairy. Wine is customarily served.
It is customary to give charity, perform mitzvot, and for the father to share a few words.
The Grace After Meals includes six special blessings for the baby, parents, Mohel, and Sandek.