The Brit/Bris ceremony celebrates life, Jewish tradition and continuity.
With the Mohel’s call of “Baruch Haba,” the child is ushered into the room where the guests are assembled to welcome him to his first debut in the Jewish community.
Usually a couple is preselected to bring in the baby. This is considered a great omen that they may merit having their own children. Any relative or Jewish friend of the family may perform this honor. Likewise, a female and a male single may be respectively selected.
When the baby is brought in, he is handed to the father who holds the baby, says certain Biblical verses, and begs for the Almighty’s assistance. He then hands him over to be placed on the “Throne of Elijah”.
A chair is set aside on which an ornate pillow or drapery is placed. This chair is known as the “Throne of Elijah the Prophet”. According to tradition, Elijah is present and remembered at the Brit/Bris because he championed the cause of ritual circumcision during his lifetime.
The father appoints the Mohel as his proxy.
The father then makes his blessing. (According to the Ashkenazi custom, this blessing is made after the cut.)
The baby is then presented by the father to the Sandak - a Greek word meaning “supporter”. The Sandak is the highest honor bestowed at the Brit/Bris and it is usually given to a Rabbi, the baby's grandfather, or some other prominent member of the family. The father may be the Sandak, if he so wishes (and is not nervous!).
Following the technical part of the Brit/Bris, blessings are recited.
The first blessing is recited on a cup of wine, as wine symbolizes happiness and festivity. In Sefaradi tradition, a Bracha of B’samim is said here.
A second blessing celebrates the first Brit / Bris our patriarch Abraham performed on his son Isaac. This benediction concludes with a prayer for the welfare of the newborn infant.
The Naming
At this point in the ceremony, the child is given his Hebrew name. The Kabbalists are adamant that a Jewish child must be given a proper Hebrew name. It is believed that the name has great impact on the soul of that person; therefore, the child should be named after righteous Biblical or family personalities. Sefaradi Jews will name for someone living; Ashkenazi Jews will not.
Prayers are also included for the wellbeing of the parents, to express thanks to G-d for the arrival of the child, and for the infant boy to grow and reach his fulfillment as a Jewish man.
For questions about possible additional honors at the Brit/Bris please contact me.
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