The birth of your son is a beautiful moment. You have been blessed with the opportunity to share in the mystical process of creation. As responsible Jewish parents, both you and your spouse will be planning his bris, the occasion which will usher him into Covenant of Abraham.

A bris is performed on the eighth day of the child's life. His birth day is counted as the first. For example, if your son was born on a Monday, his bris would be on the following Monday. However, if he was born on Monday after sundown, the bris would be on the following Tuesday, because in Jewish tradition evening is part of the following day. An eighth day bris is of such importance that it may be performed on a Sabbath, any Jewish holiday, and even Yom Kippur.

Traditionally, a bris is held in the morning, although it may be performed any time of day until sundown. It may not take place at night.

This being the first religious occasion in your baby's life, it should be performed at the proper time. However, if there is any question as to the baby's health, your doctor will advise you when the bris can be performed. (Note: usually it is the baby's health, not his weight, which will determine this.)

• Two dozen gauze pads (3" x 3")
• 1 pint-sized bottle of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 oz. Neosporin ointment (be sure it's the ointment, not cream!)
• 6 cloth diapers
• Kosher wine and Kiddush cup
• Feeding bottle with milk or water (Important: Even if the mother is nursing the baby, we still need a small feeding bottle of milk or water.)
• Thin receiving blanket
• Bris Milah book (complimentary copy of the book is provided)
• If the bris is to be performed in a synagogue or catering hall, bring 3 pillows

• Don't feed the baby two hours before the bris
• If the bris is to be performed at your home, please set up a kitchen or dining room table covered with a large bath towel, under good overhead light, as the place for the bris. (A bridge table is not adequate as it is too low and not sturdy enough.)
• If you have any questions, please call!

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL!

MAZAL TOV,
RABBI PAYSACH KROHN, CERTIFIED MOHEL
866.846.6900 (toll free)
718.846.6900 (in NY)

© Copyright 2005 Rabbi Paysach Krohn
Designed by TBIQ Technologies (www.tbiq.com)