Episode Details
Back to EpisodesS.7 #8 | Bris: the ancient Jewish tradition of circumcision
Description
I had the honor of attending a bris - a circumcision of a baby boy on the 8th day of his life. In this episode, you will learn about the history of this ancient Jewish tradition and what the ritual entails.
Mentions:
Bris or Brit Milah - the Jewish covenant of circumcision, performed on a baby boy’s eighth day of life by a trained mohel to welcome him into the covenant of Abraham.
Kvatters - usually a husband-and-wife team, who serve as messengers to bring the baby from the mother’s arms to the side of the room where the circumcision will be performed.
Sandek - the person honored with holding the baby on their lap during the circumcision ceremony, acting as a "godfather" or guardian
mi sheberach - a traditional Jewish prayer for healing, requesting divine blessing, restoration, and strength for those ill or in need of recovery
Siman Tov uMazel Tov - celebratory song
Mohel - a trained Jewish professional who performs the ritual circumcision