Who Does the Brit Milah?

Every Brit Milah must be performed by a properly trained and certified Mohel (Ritual Circumciser).

Why is a Mohel So Important?

A Mohel is formally trained both in circumcision techniques as well as in Jewish law and tradition. While he certainly must be expert in the latest medically approved surgical and sterilization procedures, being a Mohel requires much more than surgical and medical skill. Jewish law sees the moment of Brit Milah as having a great spiritual impact upon the child. The Mohel, therefore, must also be a person of great piety and religiosity. He must be a G-d fearing practicing, Sabbath observant Jew, who performs the Brit Milah in accordance with the intentions as well as the methods of Jewish law. In this way the Mohel is a specialist in the spiritual aspects as well as the medical aspects of circumcision.

What is the Sequence of the Brit Milah?

The baby is brought in to the room, carried by the kvatter and kvatterin, considered by many to be the godparents. Two chairs are prepared for the Brit. The first is for the Sandek, the individual who holds the baby on their knees during the actual circumcision. The lap of the Sandek is considered analogous to the altar of the Temple itself. It is considered a great honor to be the Sandek because there is a Kabbalistic tradition that links the soul of the Sandek with the child. In this way, the Sandek is considered the spiritual mentor of the child. In many instances, one of the grandfathers serves as the Sandek.

The second chair is set aside for the spirit of Elijah the Prophet, the "Angel of the Covenant". According to Jewish tradition, Elijah comes to every circumcision to testify before the Almighty to the commitment of the Jewish people to this great mitzvah throughout the generations. During the ceremony, just prior to the Brit itself, the baby is placed on the chair of Elijah, and the Mohel recites a special prayer asking for the spirit of Elijah to stand over him as he performs the Brit.

After the Mohel has performed the brit, a special blessing is recited upon a cup of wine, and the baby is given his Hebrew name. It is customary to serve refreshments or a meal after the brit, and this is considered a seudat mitzvah, part of the mitzvah. (Obviously all food served should be kosher.) This would  occur after the Breaking of the Fast during a rare Yom Kippur Brit Milah. The drinking of the wine after the blessing would be done by a minor.

Is a Minyan Required for a Brit Milah?

Ideally, a minyan should be present for a Brit, although this is not a pre-requisite.