About The
Bris
Mazel Tov from Dr. Diamond
Congratulations on the birth of your son and his entrance into the Covenant of Abraham. By participating in this ancient ceremony, you will create a bond between your son and the Jewish people. You will name your son according to age-old Jewish tradition; as you recite blessings for his well-being and with wine celebrate the joy and sanctity of this moment in the life of your family.
About the Bris
The Hebrew words "Berit Mila" translate as "covenant of circumcision" Bris is another common name for the ceremony. Although circumcision has been practiced in different cultures for over three thousand years, in Judaism this act has taken on special significance and represents bringing a child into the divine covenant between God and the Jewish people.
Descriptions of circumcision may be found in the Bible. In Genesis 17:9-13 God instructs Abraham to circumcise male children on the eighth day throughout the generations.
According to Jewish tradition, it is a parent's obligation to circumcise a son and offer a threefold blessing for the child: a life enriched by Torah, the wedding canopy (chuppah) and good deeds. Today, a Mohel is routinely designated by parents to fulfill this custom.
The Bris is performed ont he 8th day. Sundown marks the beginning of the new day in Jewish tradition. Thus a baby born Sunday after sundown would have his Bris on the following Monday. The Bris can only performed during daylight hours from sunrise to sunset. In case of illness, the Bris is delayed until the baby is well.
There are three parts to the traditional Bris ceremony, the actual circumcision, the naming and the celebratory meal. It is customary to honor family and friends as they participate in holding the baby at various parts of the Bris. The highest honor is the Sandak, who holds the baby during the actual circumcision. Other honors include the ceremonial godfather (Kvater) and ceremonial godmother (Kvaterin).
Jewish traditions teach us that the prophet Elijah comes to each Bris in spirit. We place a seat next to the Sandak in his honor. Elijah therefore comes to share and witness in the covenant of this child who will bring us closer to the Messianic Era through the many good deeds he will perform.
