Frequently Asked Questions

A mohel (pronounced "MOY-el") is a Jewish person trained in both the religious laws governing Brit Milah and the surgical technique of ritual circumcision. Mohels undergo extensive training — either through a traditional apprenticeship under a master mohel or through a formal certification program. Some mohels are also licensed physicians (MDs or DOs), bringing additional medical expertise to the procedure.

According to Jewish law, Brit Milah is performed on the eighth day of the baby's life, counting the day of birth as day one. The bris takes place even if the eighth day falls on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, with the exception of Yom Kippur. If the procedure must be delayed for medical reasons, it is rescheduled once the baby is fully healthy — and a delayed bris is not performed on Shabbat or most holidays.

A hospital circumcision is a medical procedure only, typically performed by an OB-GYN or pediatric urologist without any religious components. A Brit Milah performed by a mohel is both a religious ceremony and a surgical procedure, conducted in the context of blessings, prayers, and community. Many families prefer a mohel because the experience is more intimate, spiritually meaningful, and personally conducted in their own home or synagogue.

Start by asking your rabbi, friends, or OB-GYN for personal recommendations. Then verify the mohel's credentials and experience, confirm their religious denomination aligns with yours, and arrange a meeting before the bris so you can ask questions and feel comfortable. Key things to ask: How many brises have you performed? What is your training and certification? What aftercare instructions do you provide? Do you carry malpractice insurance?

The ceremony begins with the baby being brought into the room amid traditional greetings. The sandak (honored holder) receives the baby and holds him during the procedure. The mohel recites blessings, performs the circumcision, and the father affirms the covenant. The baby is then given his Hebrew name. Afterward, a celebratory meal (seudah) is shared. The entire ceremony typically lasts 20–45 minutes.

According to most halachic authorities, for a circumcision to fulfill the mitzvah of Brit Milah, it must be performed by a Jew who is observant of Jewish law. A circumcision performed by a non-Jewish doctor or even a non-observant Jewish doctor may be considered halachically insufficient by some authorities, and a "hatafat dam brit" (drawing of a drop of blood) may be required. Consult your rabbi for guidance specific to your situation.

Yes. Most contemporary mohels, including traditional ones, use topical anesthetic cream (such as EMLA), a dorsal penile nerve block, or a combination of both. Some also use a small amount of sweet wine on a gauze pad to help soothe the baby. Pain management practices have evolved significantly and virtually all reputable mohels today take infant comfort seriously. Don't hesitate to ask your mohel what pain management they use.

After the procedure, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to the tip of the penis and the inside of the diaper with every diaper change for the first several days. This prevents the gauze or diaper from sticking. Some redness and mild swelling is normal. Full healing typically takes 7–10 days. Contact your mohel or pediatrician if you notice excessive bleeding (more than a quarter-sized spot of blood on the diaper), signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, yellow discharge), or if the baby has not urinated within 12 hours after the procedure.

Fees vary widely depending on the mohel's location, experience, and whether they are a physician. In major metro areas, fees generally range from $500 to $1,500 or more. Some mohels charge on a sliding scale or will not turn a family away for inability to pay — it is always appropriate to ask. The fee typically includes a pre-bris consultation, the ceremony itself, and follow-up aftercare support.

Yes. Brit Milah can be performed at any age, including on adults who were not circumcised as infants. For older children and adults, the procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and sometimes general anesthesia, often in a medical setting. A number of the mohels in our directory have experience performing Brit Milah on older individuals — use the search filters to find those who specify this service, or contact mohels directly to inquire.

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