The Bris Ceremony

A bris performed according to Jewish tradition is a wonderful beginning for a newborn child. It is a memorable experience, replete with significance and meaning for all those involved, and the first of many milestones to be celebrated during the child’s life as he grows to be a source of pride and joy to all those close to him.

The ceremony usually takes place at home, in a synagogue or at a catering hall, and is customized to accommodate individual needs and goals.

There are several honors to be conferred during the ceremony, usually bestowed upon the relatives and close friends of the family. A brief description of the ceremony is as follows: A couple enters with the baby. The baby is then placed on a chair designated as the Chair of Elijah. The father then gives the baby to the Sandek (most often a grandfather) who holds the baby on his lap during the circumcision procedure. The circumcision is then performed by the mohel. Immediately following the bris, the baby is held by an honoree and a blessing is recited. The baby receives his official Hebrew name, which he will proudly carry throughout his life. The newborn child is often named after a departed relative, a symbolic source of continued life for those no longer with us. The ceremony ends with the resounding wish of “Mazel Tov!” and is typically followed by refreshments or a light meal.

Here is a more detailed procedure of the Bris Ceremony and the different honors that can be given out at the Bris

The mother gives the child to the Kvatterin, who passes him to the Kvatter, who then passes him to the person who will place him on the Chair of Eliyahu. He is then taken from the chair and given to the father, who places the child in the lap of the Sandek. The Mohel then performs the Bris. Afterwards the child is taken from the Sandek’s lap and given to the standing Sandek, the blessings are recited, and the name is given. Then the child is returned to the mother through the Kvatter and Kvatterin.

The following honors can be given to many different people, or can be given to one person.

Kvatterin (Colloquially-Godmother) - קוואטרין

Carries baby from mother to bris room and, after the bris, back to mother. Often, the Kvatterin and Kvatter are a couple seeking to have a child, as this honor is deemed propitious for this purpose. In some communities, the baby is passed from woman to woman, each bringing him closer to the bris room.

Kvatter (Colloquially- Godfather) - קוואטר

Carries baby from Kvatterin to bris area and, after the bris, back to the Kvatterin. In some communities the baby is passed from man to man, each bringing the baby closer to the bris area.

Throne of Eliyahu - כסא של אליהו

Places baby on the chair designated as Throne of Eliyahu. Some place great emphasis on this honor.

From the Throne - מעל הכסא

Takes baby from the Throne of Eliyahu and gives him to father who places him on sandak’s lap.

Sandak - סנדק

Holds baby during bris. This is the highest honor at Bris, the sandak is equated to a kohen (priest) burning incense offering in the Holy Temple. Many single out the Rabbi or the Grandfather for this honor.

From the Sandak’s lap - מעל הסנדק

Takes the baby from sandak at conclusion of the circumcision and gives him to the standing sandak.

Standing Sandak - סנדק מעמד

Holds baby while blessings and prayer are recited, during which baby is given his Hebrew name. Arizal, a great Kabbalist, considered this an important honor.

Reader of the Blessings - ברכות

Recites two blessings said following the bris. This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak.

Giving the Name - קריאת השם

Recites Prayer during which baby is given his Hebrew name. This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak. This honor is often combined with that of the blessings.

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