FAQs

A Bris, or Brit Milah, is a Jewish religious ceremony for circumcising a male infant, marking the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It is typically performed on the eighth day after the baby's birth, unless health reasons necessitate a delay.

A certified Mohel, a trained professional who specializes in the ritual and medical aspects of circumcision, performs the Bris. In our case, it is Dr. Abraham Lieberman, PT, DPT, NCS, FAAOMPT, NREMT-B, and Certified Mohel.

• Arrival and Setup: Dr. Lieberman will arrive at your home, synagogue, or other chosen location, set up the necessary instruments, and ensure everything is ready.

• Baby Preparation: Dr. Lieberman will prep the baby and the surgical field for the procedure.

• Kvattrin: The ceremony begins with the baby being brought into the room by the kvatterin. Often a childless couple, bringing the child into the room is considered a merit for them too to bring children into this world.

• Chair of Elijah: The baby is placed upon the chair of Elijah. According to tradition, Elijah the prophet is present at every Bris as a punishment for doubting that the Jewish people would continue this mitzvah.

• Circumcision: The baby is placed upon the sandak's lap, and the Mohel performs the circumcision.

• Naming Ceremony: Following the circumcision, the baby's Hebrew name is announced, and additional prayers are recited for the health of the baby and mother.

• Initial Care: Your baby will have three layers of gauze wrapped around the circumcision site to prevent bleeding, promote healing, and prevent infection.

• Monitoring: Some blood spotting is normal. However, you should check your baby's diaper every 2 hours for signs of bleeding. Pink discoloration in the diaper is usually urine that has passed through the bloody bandage and is normal. Active bleeding to be concerned about is pooling of blood in the bottom of the diaper. If you notice active bleeding, fold a gauze pad over the penis and apply gentle but firm pressure for five minutes. If the bleeding hasn't stopped by then, call Dr. Lieberman immediately.

• Pain Management: Your baby may be fussy. Acetaminophen can be given as directed by your pediatrician, but is usually not necessary.

• Apply Ointment: At each diaper change, remove the outer gauze pad and apply a new one with a generous amount of Vaseline. Stop using the gauze pad 5 to 7 days after the procedure or as advised by Dr. Lieberman.

• Keep the Area Clean: Clean with warm water and mild soap during diaper changes. Avoid tub baths until 48 hours after the circumcision or after the umbilical cord falls off, whichever is later.

• Normal Symptoms: Mild swelling and a yellowish film on the head of the penis are normal and part of the healing process. Do not remove this film; it will disappear as the circumcision heals.

• Prevent Rubbing and Pressure: Ensure diapers are not too loose or too tight to prevent rubbing or pressure on the wound.

• Gentle Push: After the first 72 hours, gently push down on the remaining rim of the foreskin at each diaper change to prevent the area from becoming stuck.

• Excessive Bleeding: If there is more than a 4 x 4 gauze of blood or bleeding doesn’t stop with gentle pressure for 5 minutes.

• Signs of Infection: Look for redness, swelling, pus, or fever.

• Difficulty Urinating: If your baby hasn’t urinated within 6-8 hours post-circumcision.

• Feeding Concerns: If your baby is not feeding normally and wetting his diaper appropriately within 24 hours after the circumcision.