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What Is Brit Milah?

Brit Milah (ברית מילה), literally "covenant of circumcision," is one of the most ancient and central commandments in Judaism. Performed on the eighth day of a Jewish male's life, it represents the covenant between God and the Jewish people first established with Abraham. The ceremony has been practiced continuously for thousands of years and is observed across virtually all Jewish denominations — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist.

The bris, as it is colloquially known, is more than a medical procedure. It is a deeply meaningful religious ceremony attended by family and community, marked by blessings, prayers, the naming of the child, and celebration. Many families also honor the occasion by dedicating the event to the memory of a loved one.

What Is a Mohel?

A mohel (מוהל) is a person trained in both the religious laws and the surgical technique of ritual circumcision. There are two main categories of mohels in the United States:

Rabbinical Mohels: Trained extensively in Jewish law (halacha) and the technical performance of the circumcision. They often complete a rigorous certification program under a master mohel and may or may not have a medical background.
Physician Mohels: Licensed medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who have also received training in the religious requirements of Brit Milah. They bring the added assurance of medical expertise alongside traditional practice.
Mohelets: Female mohels, increasingly common in liberal Jewish communities, who are fully trained and certified to perform Brit Milah.

Choosing the right mohel is a deeply personal decision. Families consider factors such as religious affiliation, geographic availability, bedside manner, experience, and whether they prefer a medically trained or traditional mohel.

When Is Brit Milah Performed?

Brit Milah is traditionally performed on the eighth day of the baby's life, even if that day falls on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday — with the exception of Yom Kippur. The count begins from the day of birth, so if a boy is born on Sunday, the bris is on the following Sunday.

The ceremony may be delayed for medical reasons (such as jaundice or illness), and in such cases it is not performed until the baby is fully healthy. A delayed bris is not performed on Shabbat or most holidays.

What Happens During the Ceremony?

The ceremony typically begins with the baby being carried into the room by the kvatter (godmother) and passed to the kvater (godfather), who then brings the child to the sandak — the honored person (often a grandfather or rabbi) who holds the baby during the procedure. A special chair called the Chair of Elijah (Kisei Shel Eliyahu) is designated for the prophet Elijah, who is said to attend every bris.

The mohel recites blessings, performs the circumcision, and the father recites a blessing affirming his participation in the covenant. The baby is formally given his Hebrew name at this point. The celebration (seudah) follows, often including food, wine, and Torah discussion.

Choosing the Right Mohel

Here are key factors to consider when selecting a mohel:

Credentials: Ask about training, certification, and how many procedures they have performed.
Religious practice: Ensure their level of observance aligns with your family's tradition and expectations for the ceremony.
Medical background: If you prefer a physician mohel, confirm their medical licensure and specialty.
References: Don't hesitate to ask for references from previous families they have served.
Communication: A good mohel will meet with you beforehand, answer all your questions, and provide aftercare instructions.
Availability: Confirm they are available on your baby's eighth day and can travel to your location if needed.

Aftercare