What Happens At The Ceremony?
It is preferable to hold a Brit Milah ceremony in the presence of ten adult men (a minyan), although this is not an absolute requirement. Similarly, the service is often held in a synagogue, but may also be carried out in a private home.
The Brit itself should be scheduled to take place as early on in the day as possible – often straight after the morning shacharit service. This demonstrates the parents’ eagerness to enrol their baby as a fully fledged member of the Jewish people as quickly as possible. In some cases, it may be postponed until later in the day though, for example to allow the Rabbi or grandparents time to arrive.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the baby’s mother places him on an especially embroidered pillow. She then passes him to the kvaterin – the godmother. Traditionally, a married couple takes on the role of godparents, with the kvaterin passing the baby to her husband, the kvater, once she has received him from the mother. The godfather then carries the baby into the room where the brit will be performed.
The sandek, the man who will hold the baby on his knees for the duration of the circumcision, sits on a chair inside the room. Often, the baby’s grandfather or a prestigious Rabbi will be accorded this great honour. Alongside the sandek, a chair known as the kisei shel Eliyahu, Elijah’s chair, is placed. Traditionally, Elijah is believed to be present as a guest at every circumcision, so great is the mitvah.
During the ceremony, the mohel makes the appropriate blessing and performs the circumcision. The father then responds with his own special blessing. Finally, two more brachot are made over a cup of wine and the baby receives his formal Hebrew name.
Once the ritual is complete, a festive meal is served. Because this is a seudat mitzvah – a feast served on the performance of a mitzvah – it is customary to serve meat, chicken or fish. But as a breakfast time concession, dairy dishes may be prepared as an alternative.
