Brit Milah & Simchat Brit

Brit Milah - Welcoming a Boy into the Covenant

Brit Milah, the covenant of circumcision, was commanded by God to Abraham over 3,700 years ago. It has been carried out faithfully from generation to generation, even during times of religious and ethnic persecution when Jews were forced to practice their rituals in secret. In fact, the only time the Jewish people willingly desisted from this practice was during the 40 years of wandering in the Sinai wilderness. Before entering Canaan, every male was circumcised by Joshua.

The acceptance of this commandment, or Mitzvah, established an eternal bond between God and the Children of Israel. Its observance today is testimony to the continuity and strength of that relationship, which requires us to perform the Mitzvah with adherence to the laws and customs prescribed in the Torah and interpreted by our sages.

A brit milah ceremony takes place on the 8th day after birth (count the day of birth as day one, unless the baby was born after sundown). It can be held at the hospital, at home, or at Temple Beth-El. Traditionally, the circumcision is performed by a mohel who is trained in the surgical procedures of Brit Milah. Our rabbi works in partnership with a local Jewish doctor (an OB-GYN) who does the medical procedure and the rabbi conducts the religious ceremony.

Simchat Brit - Welcoming a Girl into the Covenant
Traditionally, the only rite recognizing the birth of a daughter is naming. However, over the past few decades ceremonies have been developed to welcome girls into the Jewish covenant. The Simchat Brit and baby naming can take place anytime, however many people do this on the eighth day also. It too can be held at home or at Temple Beth-El as a private ceremony or during a worship service

> Download Sample 'Baby Naming' Ceremony

> Download Sample 'Brit Milah' Ceremony

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