what's going to happen?
There are usually three traditional parts to the bris. There's the milah (circumcision), the naming, and the seudat mitzvah (celebratory meal). Your child's brit milah can be as personalized as you want it to be, however there are some standard requirements that must happen.
The Milah (circumcision)
This is the very beginning of the ceremony. It usually commences with the kvatterin (a godmother if available, if none, then a family friend or an aunt, must be female) and kvatter (a godfather if available, if none, then a family friend or an uncle, must be male) bringing the baby into the room. Once the baby has entered, then the congregation will begin singing "Baruch Haba" or welcome blessing. The Mohelet will recite a prayer to honor Elijah.
The baby is placed in the lap of the Sandek (discussed on the "What you Need" page). The parents then recite a blessing (found here) and are asked by the Mohelet if they want her to be their proxy in the ceremony. The Mohelet will recite a prayer and perform the circumcision. The parents then say a blessing that recognizes that they have fulfilled the requirements of the mitzvah and that their baby has entered the covenant of Abraham.
A Mi Sheberach (prayer for healing) is then spoken. It is followed by the Kiddush.
The baby is placed in the lap of the Sandek (discussed on the "What you Need" page). The parents then recite a blessing (found here) and are asked by the Mohelet if they want her to be their proxy in the ceremony. The Mohelet will recite a prayer and perform the circumcision. The parents then say a blessing that recognizes that they have fulfilled the requirements of the mitzvah and that their baby has entered the covenant of Abraham.
A Mi Sheberach (prayer for healing) is then spoken. It is followed by the Kiddush.
The naming ceremony
Following the circumcision, the parents hold the child as the naming ceremony commences. The Mohelet will formally announce the baby's name. After this, the parents may offer a few words as to the meaning of the baby's name.
The congregation will recite the Shecheyanu and the Mohelet will offer the priestly blessing. This ceremony concludes with the singing of "Siman Tov U'Mazal Tov."
The congregation will recite the Shecheyanu and the Mohelet will offer the priestly blessing. This ceremony concludes with the singing of "Siman Tov U'Mazal Tov."
the seudat mitzvah
As in all proper Jewish ceremonies, we must conclude with a festive meal to congratulate the parents and the child.