From first call to healing
What to expect
Everything, in order, so you know exactly what is coming. If anything here raises a question, that is what the phone is for.
Reach out early
Call as soon as you can — many families call during the pregnancy. Dates fill quickly, and an early call means one less thing to arrange in a week when you will not be sleeping.
We speak beforehand
We go over the timing, the location, the health of the baby, the honors you would like to give, and any question at all. Nothing is too small to ask.
The day itself
I arrive early, prepared and unhurried. I bring everything needed, walk the family through the ceremony, and keep the moment calm and dignified.
Afterwards
You receive clear aftercare instructions, and I check in during the days that follow. You can reach me directly if anything concerns you.
Before the day
A short checklist
This is everything you actually need to think about. Anything not on this list is mine to worry about.
- Tell me the exact date and time of birth, so we fix the correct day
- Decide where it will be held — home, shul, or a hall
- Decide roughly what time in the morning suits you
- Think about the honors you would like to give, and to whom
- Have the Hebrew name chosen, including the father’s Hebrew name
- Mention anything at all about the baby’s health, however minor
- A pillow and a small table on the day — I will tell you the rest
On the morning
How the day runs
I arrive before the guests, so that everything is set up quietly and nobody watches me preparing. I will find you, check on the baby, and confirm the last details with you directly.
When everyone has gathered, the ceremony begins. The honors are given, the blessings recited, the Bris performed, and your son receives his name. From beginning to end this is usually about fifteen minutes. Then the seudah — the festive meal — which is itself part of the mitzvah, and where the day properly begins.
The days after
Healing
Before I leave, I show you exactly how to care for the area, what is normal to see, and what would warrant a call. You get it in writing too, because nobody remembers instructions given on the morning of a simcha.
Babies usually settle quickly and feed normally. Healing is generally straightforward and well advanced within a week. I will check in with you. And if something worries you before I do — at any hour — call me. That is not an inconvenience; it is the job.
Let’s speak.
No obligation, and no question is too small. Call whenever suits you.