Frequently asked

On the eighth day of the baby’s life, counted from the day of birth — including Shabbos and Yom Tov, where the birth was natural and the baby is well. The Jewish day begins at sunset, so the time of birth matters. Tell me the exact date and time of birth and I will work out the correct day with you.

The gathering runs far longer than the Bris itself. The procedure is brief; the ceremony, blessings and naming together typically take about fifteen minutes.

Most often at home, or at shul, or a hall — whatever suits your family. I bring everything required with me, including all sterile instruments.

As early as you like. Many families call during the pregnancy. It costs nothing to be in touch early, and it makes the eighth day far less rushed.

Health always comes first. Jewish law itself requires that a Bris be postponed when a baby is not fully well. If there is any question, we discuss it together and, where appropriate, with your pediatrician, and we set a date once he is ready.

If the bilirubin is high, the Bris is postponed until it comes down. There is no discussion to be had about it — halacha itself requires waiting, and no Bris is worth a risk to a baby. Tell me the most recent reading and when it was taken, and I will work out the timing with you. Waiting a few days costs nothing; not waiting can cost a great deal.

Everything I bring is sterile and single-use, prepared for your child alone. Nothing is ever reused.

The procedure is very brief, and I use practiced technique to keep the moment as short and settled as possible. Most babies calm within moments and feed normally afterwards. We will talk through comfort measures before the day.

I go through this with you in person and leave it in writing, so you are not relying on memory. In short: some redness and swelling is expected, and it settles over several days. If anything looks or feels wrong to you, call me at any hour. I would far rather hear from you unnecessarily.

Yes. I am trained specifically for adult Bris Milah, for men who did not have the opportunity as newborns, and I have carried out this work together with Mohel Rabbi Aron Weiss. The first conversation is private and carries no obligation. Read more here.

Yes. Adult procedures are performed under anesthesia in an appropriate professional setting, with pain management planned in advance for the recovery period as well.

Not from me. An adult Bris is a private matter, and your conversation with me stays between us.

Most men return to desk work within a few days, with a longer period before strenuous activity. I will give you a realistic picture for your own situation before you decide anything.

Yes. I serve families throughout the United States and internationally, including approximately forty procedures across Latin America. If there is no Mohel near you, call and we will work it out. More about travel.

Gladly, and I encourage it if it puts you at ease. Everything is done fully according to halacha and I am happy to discuss any detail.

Very little. A pillow, a small table, and the Hebrew name chosen. I bring everything else. See What to Expect for the full checklist.

Then we postpone. It happens, it is nobody’s fault, and it is sometimes exactly the right decision. Call me and we will rearrange without any fuss.