Who does Jewish Circumcision?

Circumcision is considered sacred in Judaism, as it is a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham’s offspring. A mohel is a Jewish newborn circumcision specialist who has undergone extensive training in both medical and surgical circumcision techniques. “Bris Milah” (brit-milah) is the Jewish name for circumcision, which literally means “covenant of circumcision.” He is the individual who has been adequately trained in both medical and surgical circumcision procedures, as well as circumcision rites and customs.

Understand What a Mohel is

A Brief History of Jewish Circumcision

Abraham was a 99-year-old when he got circumcised himself. Isaac, and Ishmael, were circumcised by their father Abraham. In ancient times, fathers would circumcise their own sons with a stone knife. The mohalim, or properly trained males, were gradually handed down the ceremonial practice (plural for mohel). During the procedure, they used iron knives while saying blessings, which are still used today. Bris Milah began as a family gathering, but it grew into a community-wide event as time passed. The celebrations were traditionally held in the synagogue, with the entire congregation actively participating. 

Compare and Contrast: Doctor vs. Mohel

Doctors and hospital circumcision proponents argue that a medical facility is the only place to perform the procedure. If something goes wrong—excessive bleeding, infections, or an accident—a hospital gives you options. The cost of a hospital and doctor’s fee for circumcision is usually covered by insurance. Due to the length of the procedure, hospital and doctor circumcisions necessitate the administration of infant anesthetic injections, also known as a nerve block.

Meanwhile, A mohel is a seasoned expert in his field. Because circumcision is his primary occupation, he performs far more circumcisions than physicians. A mohel performs the circumcision procedure far more quickly and painlessly than a doctor. A bris can be completed quickly because mohels only use topical anesthetics or none at all, resulting in less stress for the baby. Some of them are doctors, while others have completed apprenticeships in this field. The mohel or a rabbi performing circumcision does Bris in the synagogue or at your home.

Where to Find a Mohel?

A mohel definition is a person who performs Jewish circumcision rituals. He can be found through friends, relatives, obstetrician-gynecologist, fellow synagogue members, or a rabbi. After you’ve made a list, look for a mohel who shares your values and practices. Some mohels refuse to perform services for non-Jewish couples, including interfaith, same-sex, and other atypical couples, while others welcome them. Some are dark and traditional, while others are bright and folky. Some people use a topical anesthetic, while others have the baby suck on a towel dipped in wine or sugar water to induce drowsiness.

 

Conclusion

It all boils down to a decision to prioritize sterility and convenience over ceremony and tradition. Some mohelim, like surgeons, take steps to ensure a sterile environment. Keep in mind that mohel training is quite different. If you want to go with a mohel, you’ll have to make a quick decision. A traditional bris is held on the eighth day of life. Start planning a month before the baby’s due date to ensure that you can get the mohel you want.