BRIT MILAH: THE COVENANT
Brit Milah, ritual circumcision, is one of the most fundamental precepts
of the Jewish religion. It is referred to in the Torah as the covenant
of Abraham, since our forefather Abraham was the first to receive the
commandment concerning circumcision from G-d. “And he that is eight
days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your
generations” (Genesis 17:12). More than any other Jewish ritual, Brit
Milah is an expression of Jewish identity. Its fulfillment symbolizes an
affirmation of faith in Abraham’s ancient, and still vibrant, covenant
with G-d. Through ritual circumcision, parents create with their
precious child yet another link in the continuing chain of our people
that has proudly survived the challenges to its physical and spiritual
existence for thousands of years.
THE MOHEL
Traditionally, the parents engage a mohel to perform the Brit. A mohel
is a person who is specially trained in the medical and surgical
techniques of circumcision. In addition to being an expert in his field,
the mohel is also an expert in the Jewish laws pertaining to Brit Milah.
A doctor’s medical circumcision, usually performed in the hospital
within the first few days after birth, does not fulfill the requirements
of a Brit Milah and is not considered valid according to Jewish law. The
Brit should be performed by a Jewish person who understands, upholds and
practices the tenets of the Jewish religion and is specially trained to
function as a mohel.
THE BABY
The Brit of a healthy baby is done on the eighth day of life (counting
the day of birth). This is so even if the eighth day falls on Shabbos,
Yom Kippur or any other Jewish festival. However, in the case of a baby
born by Caesarean section, the Brit is not performed on Sabbath or on a
festival, but on the day following. Brit Milah may not be performed
before the eighth day or at night. In the event that a baby is not in
perfect health — even if not seriously ill — the Brit is delayed until
both the doctor and the mohel are in agreement as to the healthy status
of the baby. A common example of this situation is newborn jaundice.
However, in the case of serious illness, a delay of one week following
full recovery is required.
THE BRIT CEREMONY
The Brit ceremony is a very special occasion and is accompanied by much
happiness and rejoicing. The ceremony usually takes place at home, in a
synagogue or at a catering hall. There are several honors to be
conferred during the ceremony, usually bestowed upon the relatives and
close friends of the baby’s family. A brief description of the ceremony
is as follows: A couple enters with the baby and the baby is placed on a
chair designated as the Chair of Elijah. The baby is then placed upon
the lap of the Sandek (most often a grandfather) who holds the baby
during the circumcision procedure. After the appropriate blessing is
recited, the circumcision is performed by the mohel. Immediately
following the Brit, another blessing is said over a cup of wine, and the
baby receives his official Hebrew name, which he will proudly carry
throughout his life. The newborn child is often named after departed
relatives, a symbolic source of continued life for those no longer with
us. The ceremony ends with the resounding wish of “Mazel Tov!” followed
by the serving of refreshments or a light meal.
A
JOYOUS BEGINNING
A
Brit Milah performed according to Jewish tradition is a wonderful
beginning for a newborn child. It is a memorable experience, replete
with significance and meaning for all those involved——the first of many
milestones and happy occasions to be joyously celebrated during the
child’s life, as he grows to be a source of nachas and satisfaction to
all those close to him. Mazel Tov!