Background

Brit Mila, the Covenant of Circumcision, is one of the most fundamental religious practices in Judaism. The origins of a brit are in the Torah- "And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations." (Genesis 17:12). The first to enter into a covenant with God was Abraham the Patriarch. As part of the covenant, God made these promises to Abraham: to make him the father of a great nation that would become known as Israel, and to show him a way of life that would make his years more meaningful and inspire him to make the world a better place. Abraham pledged to live loyally according to this new way of life and to pass this precious new heritage down to the next generation. These pledges have been reaffirmed in an unbroken chain of tradition for more than four thousand years. A bris, then, is a celebration of the beauty and vitality of Jewish tradition and the continuity of our religious heritage and an expression of hope and confidence in the future vitality of our way of life.

More than any other Jewish ritual, the Brit Milah represents Jewish identity. The circumcision, a permanent mark in the male organ of procreation, is performed as a symbol of our commitment to transmit our values to the next generation. Through ritual circumcision, parents create with their precious child yet another link in the continuing chain of our people that has proudly survived the challenges to its physical and spiritual existence over thousands of years.

Brit Milah, performed according to Jewish tradition, is a wonderful beginning for a new-born child. It is a warm and memorable experience, replete with significance and meaning for all those involved - the first of many milestones and happy occasions to be joyously celebrated during the child's life, as he grows to be a source of nachas to his family and to klal Yisrael, all the Jewish people.

Rabbi Cooper is dedicated to making Brit Milah a meaningful experience and to helping people learn and appreciate that Judaism is a wonderful and enriching way of life. Each brit is given the special attention it deserves. Feel free to call in advance of giving birth to discuss this most important Jewish experience.