HomeBabyI am a mom...

I am a mom and a priest: This is the deal with Jewish circumcision

My home life is filled with many rituals. We try everything. We offer blessings and celebrate Shabbat. My husband and I decided when I was pregnant that we wouldn’t want to perform a public circumcision. This is a Jewish tradition. While we didn’t find out the gender of our baby during our pregnancy, we did discuss having him circumcised medically.

We chose to name our baby girl within the first week after her birth. We didn’t share her name with any family members or friends until she was officially welcomed into the community during the naming ceremony. Now that I am pregnant with our second child, we will hold a naming ceremony in the same manner so that the entire community can attend. We don’t want our child’s sexuality to be part of the welcoming and naming ceremony. After many years of training in LGBTQ issues, I believe that gender is a construct of society. Children should have the freedom to make their own decisions as they grow up in the world. No matter what sex or gender, I want all of our children to be honored at birth.

In the past, circumcision was a commandment from G-d.

The Book of Genesis 17.9-14 first mentions circumcision. It is written that all males in a tribe are to be circumcised by the Jewish people. In exchange for Abraham’s family and tribe being protected in the land Canaan, G-d promised them peace and protection. To distinguish them, they were required to place a physical sign on the people. The sign is 8-day-old circumcision. It is written that Abraham and his 13 year-old son Ishmael were circumcised at the same time. Any male born after this point would have his circumcision done at eight days old.

Brit milah, or bris, is a Jewish circumcision ceremony.

It was once an obligation that the father circumcised his child. However, the practice has changed to include a mohel (or mohelette) who has been trained to perform this ritual. Mohels, who are trained doctors with medical experience and use anesthetic during circumcision ceremonies in the Reform Judaism movement, are frequently physicians. A “Kvatterr” brings the baby into the ceremony, and a Sandik holds the baby while the circumcision takes place. These roles are usually performed by a godparent or grandparent.

At his bris, the baby also gets his name.

The mohel recites a blessing that G-d has sanctified to perform this circumcision, while the father recites a blessing saying that his son is being brought into the covenant. This is the “brit” portion of brit-milah. After the circumcision, all present recite a blessing to thank G-d for their commitment to ensure that this child lives a life of good deeds, study, marriage, and gratitude.

Following the prayer, a healing process is performed for the baby. The baby is given his Hebrew name by the “Mi Sheberach”, a prayer that is said on behalf of someone suffering or sick. A specific prayer, “birkath’gomel”, can be recited by a mother who has recently given birth to express gratitude for having reached safety on the other side.

The Jewish circumcision age for Jews is 8 days.

Traditionally, baby boys are circumcised when they turn eight days old. The ritual is continued until the child is ready to undergo the procedure. Pikuah Nefesh is a Jewish concept that saves a life. Safety and health are more important than religious traditions.

Following the circumcision ceremony, there is a Seudat Mitzvah.

Every celebration in Judaism includes a meal to celebrate the occasion. To fulfill the mitzvah commandment, a celebratory meal is required. Brunch is a common type of food at brit milahs.

Some Jewish families do not have a brit-milah ceremony for their sons.

Many of the families that I work with want their sons circumcised, but they don’t want it to be the main focus of the ritual welcoming. They will perform it at the hospital before leaving, and may also choose to pray and be present. Some will still perform the circumcision at 8 days old. However, it will be done privately before a large public celebration. Many families are not planning to circumcise their sons.

Even if you’re not Jewish, you can still attend a Bris.

A bris is a ceremony to welcome a new baby into the family’s wider community. Parents want all who are involved in the child’s life, regardless of their religion, to be there. People of all faiths are welcome to our communities and families.

Many Jewish families believe it is superstitious for a child to be invited to a party before birth to ensure that he or she is well and able to join the community. Instead of hosting a baby shower, the family may host a large bris party to celebrate the birth and acknowledge their child’s contribution to their community. Parents who have a girl may hold a similar celebration to announce their child’s name. This is called a “b’rit bat”–daughter-of-the commandment.

Follow Us

1,000FansLike
1,000FollowersFollow
1,000FollowersFollow

Follow Google News

Most Popular

More from Author

Understanding the Enigma: “Bizarrap Baby Hello Lyrics” Uncovered

Who would've thought that a seemingly random phrase like "bizarrap baby...

Adoptive Families: The Love and Commitment of Adoptive Parents

How many ways can love manifest itself? Love isn't merely a...

The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep through the Night

Ah, the age-old question for new parents: "How do I get...

Tips to Stay Cool While Baby Carrying

Tips to Stay Cool While Baby Carrying Baby Carrying: There are many...

How to find the best baby-monitoring device

How to find the best baby-monitoring device You can see and hear...

How to test baby monitors?

Avoid baby monitors that may have blurred or cutout images, poor...

Natural Baby Products Have Many Baby Care Benefits

Natural Baby Products Have Many Baby Care Benefits There are many decisions...

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits There are many decisions you...

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler Tiny...

The Truth About Baby Shoes

The Truth About Baby Shoes Already, I can hear the moms asking...

What are the best baby toys for your baby?

What are the best baby toys for your baby? It isn't easy...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

How to throw a mystery or spy party for kids

The secret world of spies has been a fascination for generations, both adults and children. No surprise that children often ask for mystery parties when they turn one. These are some ways to make your child's birthday memorable by having a mystery or spy theme. Mirago Media...

The benefits of using parental control apps

Parents have one of the most important tasks: to raise their children and help them prepare for adulthood. Technology has become an integral part of the family's dynamic. Parents may not be able to see how much time their children spend on screens or what content they...

The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep through the Night

Ah, the age-old question for new parents: "How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?" If you're reading this, chances are you're a sleep-deprived parent in search of that elusive full night's sleep. Fear not! We've got you covered. Dive in, and let's embark...

What are the best baby toys for your baby?

What are the best baby toys for your baby? It isn't easy to select the best toys for your child from the many choices. There are a lot of options to guidance on what baby toys to buy. There are some basic guidelines parents should follow to make...

There’s something to smile about

Smiles are contagious, and these smiling children from all over the globe will put a smile on you face. Find out what made them smile this year. Above: Franky (3 years old) was separated from his parents at the crossing of Darien Gap. This dangerous jungle separates Colombia...

Understanding the Enigma: “Bizarrap Baby Hello Lyrics” Uncovered

Who would've thought that a seemingly random phrase like "bizarrap baby hello lyrics" could pique one's curiosity so much? Well, buckle up! We're diving deep into this topic to unravel its mysteries. Ever stumbled upon a phrase that makes you go, "Wait, what?" If you've been scratching your...

Multiples and Baby Sleep

This blog is for parents of multiples who have recently found out they are expecting twins, triplets or quadruplets. Let's talk baby sleep and multiples. Must Read: mystery or spy party for kids Can you get good sleep with multiple people? YES! I believe that multiple parents who have the...

HOW TO CHOOSE DIAPER FOR YOUR NEW BORN?

For new mothers, it is always confusing to pick or choose between various baby products. The diaper is the one that can be so challenging. Understanding diaper size, weight, fit, and comfort are the factors you cannot avoid while buying a diaper for your new one. A newborn...

The Truth About Baby Shoes

The Truth About Baby Shoes Already, I can hear the moms asking "What?" It's amazing! "Baby and toddler shoes are all over... and they're just so cute!" I hate to say it, but toddler footwear has become more of a fashion statement than a functional tool. These are four...

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits There are many decisions you will need to make before and after your baby is born. You may be debating whether to use natural or synthetic baby products. You may be a new parent, but what worked for one child might...

Here are some things you should know about your baby’s hair

As a dad of two--each with wildly different hair--I know that when it comes to newborn textured and afro hair, keeping it knot/tangle free, hydrated (without it looking greasy), and getting through the hair care routine as quickly as possible is essential--especially once they begin to crawl...

3 TIPS TO IMPROVE DOCTOR VISITS WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE

Taking young children to the doctor can be challenging, especially if they’ve developed anxiety about appointments. Even excellent primary care North Tonawanda NY can still be intimidating for kids. Fortunately, you can take small steps at home to prepare your child for an upcoming doctor visit. This...