FAQ

Flexible Schedule | Willing to travel | I examine the baby before, during, and after the bris with next day follow-up phone call.

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General Questions:

What is the difference between a Bris and a circumcision?

A Bris includes the rituals, prayers, and family involvement which help to welcome your son into the Jewish faith, in addition to the medical procedure. A circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.

What kind of ritual Bris training have you had?

In 1987, I completed coursework about the Bris rituals and religious meanings, sponsored by the Reform Movement (this particular opportunity was only open to individuals who were already certified to perform circumcisions). Subsequently, I completed additional training, sponsored by the Conservative Movement, which shared the same focus.

Why it is beneficial for a Mohel to also be a medical doctor?

This is a very popular question. In my opinion, a medical doctor possesses surgical and medical skills beyond what is required for a Bris. It is rare that these skills will be called upon, however, these skills are immediately available if the need arises. (Who does the Mohel go to if there is a problem? He goes to a doctor. In this case, the doctor is already there). As a Mohel-Doctor, I am always up to date with my technique in performing this and other medical procedures.

Preparation Questions:

After our baby is born, what should we do?

Give me a call so we can set a time and date for the Bris.

What supplies do I need for the Bris?

Please refer to my Supply Sheet, which I will go over with you.

If I have twins, do I need two separate ceremonies?

If you are blessed with two boys, both babies will have a Bris. Some parts of the ceremonies can be shared, while other parts remain individual. If you are blessed with one boy and one girl, your son will have a Bris and your daughter will have a Bat Brit, a naming ceremony.

Ceremony Questions:

Is there an option to change the ceremony?

Yes, the ceremony is in fact styled to accommodate your specific family needs. I welcome the request to create more opportunities for involvement of family and friends, while still incorporating the essentials.

What instruments do you use when performing the actual circumcision?

I use pre-packed, sterile, one-time use, medical precision instruments (the same ones that are used in the hospital). I use a Gomco clamp which is designed to shield, while giving a round incision as opposed to a flat incision.

What is the most important honor in the Bris ceremony?

The most important honor in the Bris ceremony is the Sandek. This is the person who attends to the baby during the Bris. The grandfather of the baby usually takes this role, however, there is variability and choice with whom you would like to have this honor.

Who else should be honored?

Anyone you would like to honor is welcomed. You may want to include close friends, extended family, and/or even siblings. I work with every family to ensure that each Bris is a meaningful, life-cycle event – exactly how you pictured it for your son. See Participant Sheet.

Do you give a Bris certificate?

Yes! The certificate includes the baby’s name in Hebrew. It is presented framed and at the time of the Bris.

FAQ