Bris milah is an affirmation of Abraham's ancient covenant with God and an expression of hope in a future redemption. The Torah teaches us that a bris milah is a reminder to us that just as we perfect our physical being through the act of circumcision, we must strive also strive to perfect our soul.

A bris is a simcha, a celebration, both of the birth of your son and of the endurance of the Jewish people.

The Ceremony

The Bris ceremony has two parts: the circumcision and the naming. There are wealth of different customs surrounding bris milah which are  unique to different communities around the world. If you are unsure of your custom, then do ask the mohel or your local Rabbi.  It is customary to honour family and friends to participate in holding the baby at various parts of the bris. A description of some of these honours follows;

Kvatter/Kvatterin

Carry the baby from the mother to the bris and return him. This honour is often designated to a couple seeking to have a child.

Sandek

At every bris milah one man is honoured in the role of the Sandek, who holds the baby during the circumcision. This is considered the most prestigious honour of the ceremony and is often performed by a grandfather or esteemed Rabbi. The role of the Sandek is not only a technical one, but is an expression of the child taking his place in the chain of continuity of the Jewish people spanning generations of time.The Torah teaches us that the role of the Sandek is of such prominence that it is even compared to the role of the Kohen (priest) burning incense on the temple altar.

Sandek Me’umad

Once the circumcision is perfromed, the Sandek rises to his feet and passes the baby to the Sandek Me'umad, or "standing Sandek". He will then hold the baby for the subsequent naming ceremony.

Mezamen

It is customary to have s special Se'udas Mitzvah , or festive meal , on the day of the bris. One man is designated to lead the special grace after meals for this occasion.

Many other honours may be designated. Ask your mohel for further advice.

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