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Among the most important choices you can make as a Jewish parent is who will serve as the mohel at your son’s bris.  Choosing the right mohel can ensure that the Brit Milah service you host is memorable, meaningful and relevant for you, your family and your friends who are present to help you to celebrate one of the most important moments in your life.   Often, parents choose a mohel based on word of mouth or the advice of friends who have been through the experience.  Depend

As a mohel with over three decades of experience, I've been privileged to guide many families through sacred Jewish lifecycle moments. Among the less commonly discussed but spiritually significant rituals is Hatafat Dam Brit  (הטפת דם ברית), literally meaning 'the drawing of the blood of the covenant.' This gentle procedure carries profound meaning for those reconnecting with their Jewish heritage or affirming their place within our covenant community. What is Hatafat Dam Bri

As a mohel with over 30 years of experience guiding families through sacred Jewish traditions, I've witnessed the beautiful evolution of how we welcome our children into the Covenant of Israel. While Brit Milah (the covenant ceremony for boys) has a clearly defined structure dating back to biblical times, the ceremony welcoming daughters—known as Simchat Bat (rejoicing of a daughter)—offers families a meaningful opportunity to create traditions that honor both our ancient her

As a Mohel (ritual circumciser) with over three decades of experience performing Brit Milah (covenant ceremony) in the New York area, I'm often asked about the training required for this sacred role. Many families are understandably curious about the preparation behind this ancient practice that welcomes their son into the Covenant of Abraham. A Dual Path of Learning The training of a Mohel represents a beautiful synthesis of ancient tradition and modern medical knowledge. Th

The Brit Milah ceremony is one of Judaism's most sacred traditions, marking the covenant between God and the Jewish people through the circumcision of a baby boy on his eighth day of life. While this ancient ritual has remained constant for thousands of years, today's families are discovering beautiful ways to create personalized bris experiences that honor tradition while reflecting their unique values, family dynamics, and personal stories. Understanding the Foundation of t

When a Jewish family welcomes a newborn boy, one of the most sacred moments in their faith journey arrives on the eighth day after birth: the Brit Milah, commonly known as the bris ceremony. More than a simple medical procedure, the bris ceremony traditions represent thousands of years of Jewish heritage, spiritual commitment, and family connection. Whether you're a parent preparing for your son's bris or simply seeking to understand this meaningful ritual, this comprehensive

When planning a bris ceremony for your son, one of the most common questions parents ask is: "Do we need a minyan?"  It's an understandable concern, especially for families who may not have ten Jewish adults readily available or those planning an intimate celebration. The good news is that while a minyan adds a meaningful dimension to the ceremony, it's not a requirement for the bris itself. The Short Answer: No, a Minyan Is Not Required A minyan is not required for a bris. T