HATAFAT DAM

Males who are converting to Judaism and are already circumcised participate in a ritual of token or symbolic circumcision known as Hatafat Dam Brit, or drawing a small drop of blood from the shaft of the penis. Hatafa is non-invasive and painless and is typically performed on the same day the candidate for conversion visits the mikah (ritual immersion). Hatafa is typically performed by a mohel prior to immersion. Most mikvaot (ritual immersion facilities) in the New York area no longer permit hatafa on their premises, so the ritual must take place in a different location such as a synagogue near the mikvah.

Hatafat Dam is also performed at a birth ceremony for an infant who was circumcised in a hospital for medical or other reasons.

Arrangements for Hatafa can be made either through one’s sponsoring rabbi or directly with the mohel.

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Click here to contact Rabbi Cooper about Hatafat Dam.