Frequently Asked Questions

Brit Milah is the literal Hebrew translation of the words "Covenant of Circumcision". Bris is the equivalent word as spoken in Yiddish. To most American Jews the words are considered equivalent and are used interchangeably.

Jews perform the mitzvah of Brit Milah to bring a son into the covenant relationship between the Jewish people and God, just as it was first enacted between God and Abraham. In the Torah in Genesis 17:3 it is written, 

"I will establish My Covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you very greatly." The terms of the covenant promise a nation and fruitful growth of the descendents of Abraham for all times; the sign of the Covenant is the circumcision of the male infants. "You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins: it shall be a sign of the Covenant between Me and you." (Genesis 17:11)

In the modern era, there are many reasons to continue the fulfillment of this ancient Mitzvah. There is the sense of Tradition, and the need to continue historical practices which link us to our ancestors. Brit Milah also demonstrates that we are part of a Community, and we are deliberately binding ourselves to those who share our heritage. Also, there is an aspect of Sacrifice involved; the need to have struggled through pain together makes us feel stronger (and also deepens our sense of community).

Through Brit Milah we link ourselves to a three thousand year old tradition which has been observed at times despite great persecution, and in the face of great pressure from those who sought to destroy the Jewish people.

From our personal perspective, we believe in the value of tradition, community, and sacrifice as the binding force behind modern Judaism. Fulfilling this Mitzvah is simply the first step for new parents as they explore and embrace their place in Judaism, among their Jewish people.

The Bris ceremony consists of 3 parts:

1. The circumcision and Covenant ceremony
2. The Hebrew naming ceremony
3. The celebratory meal

All Jewish newborn males are circumcised and given their Hebrew name during the Bris ceremony. This is the first step in welcoming the baby into the Jewish community and the most symbolic act in his journey to become a Jewish man.

According to traditional rabbinic law, Judaism is considered to pass from mother to son but not from father to son. This is called "matrilineal descent." Based on this rule, if the father is Jewish but the mother is not, a Bris may occur only in the context of a Bris for the sake of conversion. This is still the opinion of the Conservative and Orthodox Jewish movements.

In 1983, the Reform Jewish movement allowed that if a child has at least one Jewish parent then he or she may be considered to be Jewish. The focus has been shifted from the type of descent to the importance of raising a child in a Jewish home with the observance of Jewish traditions.

Dr. Miller & Amanda are flexible with either interpretation of the law. If you are an interfaith couple with a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother; he would be happy to perform either a standard Bris, or a Bris for the sake of conversion. Again, this is a complex decision and opinions vary on the interpretation of the laws around it. If you would like to discuss this matter further, We are flexible, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Miller or Amanda

Brit Milah must be done on the 8th day of life. 

For example, if your baby is born on a Tuesday, the Bris should be done on the following Tuesday. A Bris may be delayed for medical reasons but it may not be done before the 8th day. For example, if the child is still in the hospital or has significant jaundice – the Bris should be delayed until after the child has recovered. 

If you were forced to delay the circumcision of your son, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Miller or Amanda to find out how to proceed.

The Bris is usually performed in your home in a well lit space (living room, dining room). Alternatively, you may choose to hold your son's Bris at a synagogue or another venue of your choosing. The ceremony will have the same meaning no matter where it is done.

Hebrew names are often taken from relatives who have died (Ashkenazi tradition), or living relatives (Sephardim tradition), and whose good attributes you wish your son to have. You can sometimes find your relatives Hebrew names on Marriage, Brit Milah, or Bar-Mitzvah Certificates. Of course, you can pick any name you choose in the end.

If you need help choosing a Hebrew name, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Miller or Amanda. If you know the name you want but are unsure of how it is written in Hebrew, he can also take care of that for you. Dr. Miller or Amanda can confirm the correct Hebrew spelling of all names before they complete the Brit Milah Certificate 

A Mohel is a Jewish man or woman who is specially trained in the religious ceremony and surgical procedure that together make up Brit Milah. 

Doctors can seek religious training to perform the ceremony; Rabbis can seek surgical training to perform circumcisions. Mohels use anesthesia to make the procedure painless, are trained to assess for subtle physical anomalies before completing the procedure, and are trained in the management of any surgical complications should they arise.

We are prepared to handle any minor surgical complications on site. The most common surgical complication is bleeding, and we are trained and prepared to provide surgical site care if that situation arises. 

Please ask Dr. Miller or Amanda Vernon when you speak to either of them. 

The cost will depend on where you are located and what you want.

Yes, we can perform the procedure without the religious ritual, which can be done in the home. Please call to discuss.