What happens during a Jewish bris?
A bris includes a circumcision performed by a mohel, or a ritual circumciser, and a baby naming. The practice is rooted in Genesis, when God instructs Abraham to circumcise himself and all of his descendants as a sign of their contract with God.
Where do you hold a bris?
For many new mamas, the most convenient place to hold a Bris is either in the family home or a party room at your building. You may also want to try your local synagogue, or even a favorite bar or restaurant, especially if they have a private event space.
Who holds the baby during a bris?
sandek
A sandek or sandak (Hebrew: סנדק “companion of child”) is a person honored at a Jewish brit milah (circumcision) ceremony, traditionally either by holding the baby boy on the knees or thighs while the mohel performs the brit milah, or by handing the baby to the mohel.
What happens at an Orthodox bris?
They may sing a song, read a poem, or give a short speech. At more traditional brises, after the meal some people will say birkat hamazon, a prayer that gives thanks for the food. There is a special celebratory addition to this prayer that is said at a bris.
Can a bris be done on Shabbat?
A bris can occur on Shabbat, a Holy Day, and even Yom Kippur, if this is the eighth day of the baby’s life. Given this, if a baby is born on Saturday during daylight hours, the bris will be the following Saturday, usually in the morning.
Does a mohel use anesthesia?
Mohels have varied methods for comforting the baby, including a sugar solution, a drop of wine, or topical or injectable anesthesia. Physicians in the hospital may use topical or injectable anesthesia to make the baby more comfortable.
Are babies awake during circumcision?
Circumcision can be done at any age. Traditionally, the most common time to do it is soon after your baby is born, or within the first month of life. Because the process is painful, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and the surgery is performed while the baby is still awake.