Frequently Asked Questions

Baby-Namings & B'rit Milah ("B'ris")

B'rit Milah ("B'ris" / Circumcision)
What is b'rit milah? Why does my/our son need it?
According to the Torah, b'rit milah ("the covenant of circumcision") on the 8th day of life dates back to Abraham (Genesis 17:12) and is confirmed in the time of Moses (Leviticus 12:3) for all generations. Modern studies show that circumcised males and their partners tend to have lower risk of certain health issues, including STIs like HPV and HIV, and certain cancers, especially cervical cancer.

Do you perform b'rit milah ("b'ris" / circumcision)?
B'rit milah is traditionally performed by a qualified and trusted mohel (person trained in the law, tradition, and practice of Jewish ritual circumcision). I'm not a mohel, but will co-officiant, leading the prayers while the mohel does the circumcision. In the absence of a mohel, a qualified and trusted Jewish physician may perform the circumcision, while I lead the ceremony.

Does b'rit milah have to be on the 8th day?
In general, yes. The day of birth counts as the 1st day, so the 8th day would be the same day of the following week. However, keep in mind that a Jewish "day" begins at sunset. So, for example, a baby born any time before sunset on a Tuesday would have b'rit milah on the following Tuesday. But, if the baby were born after sunset on a Tuesday, the b'rit milah would take place on the following Wednesday.
Extenuating circumstances may require delaying b'rit milah beyond the 8th day. These include, but aren't necessarily limited to:
- health of the child
- availability of a mohel or physician
- Shabbat or major Jewish holiday (b'rit milah is actually permitted on these days, but the mohel may not be able to travel prior to their start)
If b'rit milah needs to be delayed beyond the 8th day, it should be done as soon thereafter as is safe and possible, but NOT be scheduled on Shabbat or a major Jewish holiday.

What if my/our son was circumcised in the hospital and/or before the 8th day?
A health insurance plan may cover hospital circumcision for newborns, but not circumcision done after discharge from the hospital. Also, some parents may feel more comfortable with a hospital circumcision. Circumcision prior to the 8th day does not qualify as b'rit milah -- however, this is easily remedied through a quick and simple ritual called hatafat dam b'rit, in which a tiny drop of blood is drawn from the circumcision site. I'm experienced in this ritual, and a mohel or physician is not required. However, you are welcome to engage a mohel or physician, if you prefer. Hatafat dam b'rit should be done as soon as possible, from the 8th day of life onward, but NOT scheduled on a Shabbat or major Jewish holiday.

Baby-Namings
Will you do a naming for a baby boy separate from b'rit milah ("b'ris")?
Bestowing a Hebrew name is an integral part of the b'rit milah ceremony. In the case of a hospital circumcision prior to the 8th day of life, a naming may be done at the same time as or subsequent to hatafat dam b'rit. (See What if my/our son was not circumcised in the hospital and/or before the 8th day? above.)

What is the custom for naming girls?
In past generations, a baby girl was often given her Hebrew name on a Shabbat morning in the synagogue, somewhere around the age of 30 days. A naming in the synagogue is a wonderful way to share the joy of a new child with a community. Today, there are also a number of beautiful and meaningful naming ceremonies that can be done in the home or other non-synagogue venue. I'm delighted to share these with you. (Some families opt to do both -- a synagogue naming and a ceremony at home.)

What about naming older children or adults?
It's never too late to give someone a Hebrew name! I've done namings for children and adults of all ages.

How do I/we choose a Hebrew name?
I'm happy to assist and guide you in this process. There are many options -- but, ultimately, it's your choice. Some try to match the Hebrew name to a given English name (easier to do when the English name has a Biblical origin, like Rachel or Joshua). Some want a name that evokes the memory of a loved one who has passed on. And some look for a name with particular significance for them.

Are there gender-neutral Hebrew names?
Yes. In particular, there are a number of beautiful and meaningful Hebrew names used in Israel that are not gender-specific.