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Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  Why the 8th day?

    The eighth day is the appointed time to perform a Bris Milah because that is how it was commanded by God.  It is considered such an important Mitzvah that is supersedes Shabbat (the Sabbath) - except in the case of a Cesarean delivery or postponement.  A circumcision that takes place before the eighth day is considered invalid and requires that a hatafath dam brit (drop of blood) be done to validate the circumcision.  The Bris is performed during daytime hours.  For example, if the child is born on a Sunday at 11am, then the Bris should take place the following Sunday at anytime between sunrise and sunset.

2.  When would you postpone a Bris?

    The health of the child is the factor that determines whether the Bris Milah can take place on the eighth day.  There are two categories of illness; systemic disease that requires that a full seven days pass after a physician declares the child well.  And if it is not a systemic illness, then the Bris may be performed as soon as the child is well.  Some reasons to postpone a Bris include; fever, moderate to severe jaundice, rash or infection on and around the penis, and anatomic reasons that preclude circumcision.  Please consult with your Mohel and the child's physician about the need to postpone a Bris.

3.  Who should come to a Bris?

    The Bris Milah is considered a joyous occasion and should be shared with as many family and friends that are able to come on the appointed day.  There is no minimum and no maximum.  Jews and non-Jews are all welcome to celebrate with the parents.  Traditionally invitations are not sent out or given, but rather a general announcement is made that a Bris will be occurring and that all those who can come are welcome.

4.  What is the typical fee for a Mohel?

    Performing a Bris is a mitzvah and so a Mohel may not demand a fee.  That said, it is a long held tradition to give the Mohel an honorarium to cover expenses and in recognition of his or her role in the Jewish community and at your son's Bris.  A Mohel's fee varies from region to region and can depend on the size of the event, travel time, preparation, equipment and supplies, and time spent.  The fee can range from $600 to $1500.   Some families cannot afford the fee being young married couples or without a steady income.  A Mohel should be able to accommodate any family's situation.  Often, the grandparents will want to pay the honorarium.  When this is offered, it should not be turned down, since it connects them to the mitzvah of the Bris Milah.

5.  Does a minyan (10 Jews) have to be present at a Bris?

   A minyan is a quorum of 10 Jews (men or women by Reform standards, all men by Conservative and Orthodox standards) often required for prayer services and public ceremonies.  While a minyan may be preferable, just as Abraham peformed his circumcision in the middle of the day to publicize the event, a Bris Milah DOES NOT require a minyan.  

6.  What is Pidyon Haben (Redemption of the Firstborn Son)?

    This is a commandment to redeem a son who is the first born of his mother by natural means (i.e. not Cesarean).  It is a ceremony that occurs on the 31st day of life.  Until the Pidyon, the first born son "belongs" to God.  By redeeming him from God, he is relieved of his sanctity and permitted to perform secular activities.  The redemption is required when both the mother and the father are Israelites, and neither are descendants of a Cohen or Levi.  The law surrounding Pidyon Haben may be complex, and it is advised that you consult with your Rabbi whether it is required and how to proceed.

7.  How do I choose a Jewish name for my child?

    Certain Jewish rituals require Hebrew names; such as for the Bris Milah, the wedding ketubah, and when being called up to the Torah.  Jewish parents often give their child a secular name for everyday use and a Hebrew name for religious purposes.  Often the Hebrew name is chosen to start with the same first letter as the secular name.  Sometimes the secular name is already an interpretation of a Hebrew name (Jonah = Yonah or Eva = Chava).  And sometimes there is no connection at all between the secular and Jewish name.  It is custom in some families and Jewish communities to assign a Jewish name after a grandparent or other relative who has passed away.  Contact your Mohel or Rabbi if you need guidance in choosing a Jewish name for your son or daughter.