Calling the Mohel

The appropriate time to call the mohel is shortly after the birth, or as early as possible, so that he can observe the general health of the baby, and become aware of any negative medical circumstances which might delay the performance of the brit on time, allowing the parents to prepare for a postponement of the date of the brit if necessary.

It is very important to inform the mohel of anything unusual in the state of the baby’s health from the moment of his birth until the day of the brit. Any changes: i.e., fever (even if it became normal after the one time), lack of appetite, secretions from the eyes, apathy; even if the parents are told in the hospital that there is no deterrent to a timely brit. The release papers from the hospital should also be shown to the Mohel.

It is very important and imperative! to advise the mohel of any genetic family medical problem such as hemophilia, or clotting problems and lack of G6PD (sensitivity to certain medications, etc.).

When the Bris Takes Place

The brit is performed on the eighth day of the baby’s life, where the date of birth is counted as the first day.  For example, a baby born on Sunday has his brit on the Sunday of the following week (any time during the entire day).

For this purpose, the day begins from the evening before; more specifically, from the moment of sunset the new day begins [excluding Shabbat] and therefore when a birth occurs close to sunset it is advisable to check the clock at the actual moment of birth and not to rely on the time determined by the hospital staff, who do not always note the exact time, and to inform the Mohel, and determine the most suitable time for the brit together with the Mohel.

In any event, it is best to ask the mohel with respect to determining the timing of the brit.

The Time of Day

A brit can be performed at any time during the day, until sunset; however, it is preferable to perform such an important mitzvah as early as possible in the morning, while of course taking into consideration the convenience of close family and friends.  

Postponement of a Bris

The halacha [Jewish law] is most scrupulous not to endanger the baby by performing the brit. Therefore, in any event of concern regarding the baby’s health or any risk to the baby’s health which might be caused by the brit, Jewish law dictates postponing the date of the brit until it can performed with complete safety to the baby. In some instances, under Jewish law, a waiting period of one week from the time the child has completely recovered his health may be required.

In no event should the parents rely on a medical release from the hospital to perform the brit without reporting to the mohel any unusual medical problem of the baby which became known.

Caesarean Birth

A baby born by Caesarian section can undergo a brit on the eighth day as is customary, provided his health is satisfactory; excluding on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, in which case the brit is postponed to a weekday.  

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Day of the Bris

What to do:

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What to Bring

Honors Given

It is advisable to prepare an orderly list of who should be honored, at the earliest opportunity.  

Naming the Baby

The Jewish name of the baby is given to him during the ceremony of the brit mila at the time the brachot (blessings) are said; obviously, the name should be decided upon before the brit. There are many and varied customs regarding giving the Jewish name; some name the baby after grandfathers and some give a name of someone appearing in the weekly Torah reading, etc.

Some names are listed below. Click on the Hebrew letter to see names beginning with that letter.

A Time To Pray

It is written that the time the baby cries during his brit is an auspicious time for prayer and entreaty; the baby’s cries are pure and holy and come solely from performing the command of Hashem to fulfill His mitzvot. Thus, it can split the skies. and any prayers or supplications at this time are joined together with the baby’s cries to reach our Father in Heaven 

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After the Bris

The mohel will guide the parents with respect to continued care of the baby.  

Immediately after the Bris

An examination is done on the day after the Brit:

The mohel will remove the bandage and check the recuperation of the cut. Occasionally he will put on a second loose bandage, which the parents can carefully remove while bathing the baby the next day, and the mohel will guide the parents concerning further care over the coming days.

The most important and fundamental thing for the parents to do after the brit is to maintain strict cleanliness to avoid any inflammation and to expedite the healing process.

Baby’s Reaction the Day After the Bris

Babies vary greatly in their reactions; some are more calm and quiet than usual and some are more restless.  Bloodstains will appear on the baby’s diapers as a result of the bandage absorbing the blood, and when wet by the baby’s urinating; this is usual. (Of course, care should be taken that the bleeding is not excessive, as will be explained hereunder.)  

What to Prepare at Home

Vithamerfen ointment or liquid Polidine, or special powder for a brit available in pharmacies.

The Parents’ Obligation for 24 Hours

• To maintain strict cleanliness of the baby and to diaper him frequently.
• To make sure that he urinates regularly (check that the diaper is wet).
• Don’t try to remove the bandage or to open it; this should be done only by the mohel. If the bandage has fallen off, inform the mohel immediately.
• To make sure there is no excessive bleeding after the brit.  For the sake of good order, bleeding which requires attention can be determined in two instances: 1) when the blood
• The baby can be placed in his crib to rest and be fed as usual; he may be placed on his stomach to rest; this may release gases from which he may be suffering.
• Don’t hesitate to approach the mohel about any apprehensions which you may have, at any time of day or night.  

Examination after the Bris

The mohel will remove the bandage and check the recuperation of the cut. Occasionally he will put on a second loose bandage, which the parents can carefully remove while bathing the baby the next day, and the mohel will guide the parents concerning further care over the coming days.

The most important and fundamental thing for the parents to do after the brit is to maintain strict cleanliness to avoid any inflammation and to expedite the healing process.

Take Care!

• To diaper the baby frequently
• To bathe the baby at least once a day (warm, soothing water; soap can be used too), preferably with liquid baby soap
• To cleanse the area with ointment or fluid as directed by the mohel.

REMEMBER, the more careful you are about cleanliness, the quicker the wound will heal.  

Pay Attention!

About three days after the brit a whitish/yellowish scab may appear which is a natural and proper secretion; its own biological bandage. Don’t try to remove it or touch it; it will disappear on its own when the healing process is completed.  As long as it is there, keep putting on ointment (using Q-tips).

This scab will lessen each day by patching the two ends of the skin and bringing them together.  Even about a week and a half later, on average, the skin may still be swollen and red, and this can take up to a month to clear up.

Sometimes, after a few days, there are bloodstains around the area of the Brit.  Do not be alarmed, all is well! The reason for this is that sometimes the diaper sticks to the place of the brit and this might cause a drop of blood. This will stop by itself.  In unusual cases where the staining does not top, contact the Mohel.

If you are in doubt concerning any of the above matters, please contact us immediately.