Before and After the Bris

Before The Bris

Feed the baby around an hour before the Bris.If your pediatrician suggests, give baby Infant Tylenol after last feeding.Dress baby in an outfit that can be opened from the bottom, preferably an outfit with few snaps or buttons.Wrap baby in receiving blanket.

Naming of the baby

With the fulfillment of the commandment of milah, G-d changed Abram's name to Abraham, giving him a totally new persona to complement his new role as the "father of a great nation." For this reason, we name a baby boy at his Bris.

According to Jewish tradition, the name of a person describes his or her essence. It provides identity and generational connection. It begins the process of shaping a human being. A name influences the behavior of the person and provides a spiritual connection between the individual and their soul. It is important, therefore, to give much thought to your child's shem kodesh, sacred Hebrew name. The custom of Ashkenazik families, who trace their lineage back to Eastern European communities. is to name their children after meritorious individuals who are desceased in order to preserve their memories. Sefardik families, on the other hand, who trace their lineage back to Middle Eastern communities, may opt to name their children after individuals who are still among the living.

Traditionally baby girls are named in synagogue on a day when the Torah is read. Customarily this is done as soon as possible. Some parents wait until the mother is strong enough to be present so she can hear the prayer which is offered for her speedy and complete recovery and that of her child.

After the Bris

Smear the triple antibiotic ointment within the middle area of the gauze pad and tent on penis with each diaper change. Continue doing this until you finish all 25-30 gauze pads. If you change the baby approximately every three hours you will finish the 25-30 gauze pads in three days. After 24 hours drizzle warm water over the bris area. Continue doing this 15-20 times.

You may now remove the wrappings strips from off the bris area. Be careful not to rub or wipe penis. If the baby is uncomfortable, follow the instructions on Infant Tylenol after consulting with the pediatrician.Swelling or redness should go away in a few days. A light colored healing tissue may appear around the head of the penis. This should subside within a few days. The baby may be sponged bathed after the first day. If the belly button has fallen off the baby may be immersed in water on the sixth day.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call me anytime.

Prayers to be said during Pregnancy

May I suggest a wonderful Jewish book to add to your library? The book is called, 'A Joyful Mother of Children' (Aim Habanim Samacha). This book has the prayers in Hebrew and English to be said during pregnancy. It also has many Jewish laws and tidbits that may enhance your pregnancy in a spiritual way.

It may be purchased on line from www.tiferes.com or www.eichlers.com.

Special Mitzvah Meal

"Every Mitzvah that they accepted upon themselves with joy ... they still perform with joy." (Talmud, Shabbos 130a) Rashi interpreted this to mean that a festive kosher meal should be prepared. Included in this meal should be challah and kosher wine. It is customary not to issue a direct invitation to the ceremony, for one may not refuse to attend. To do so would be equal to turning down the opportunity do perform a mitzvah. At the conclusion of the meal, Birkas Hamazon, the grace after meals is recited with special blessings for the child, parents, sandek and mohel.

Special Considerations

Hatafas Dam Bris: When a child is born as if circumcised, or has been circumcised before the eighth day in a hospital, a ritual called hatafas dam Bris is required. This symbolic circumcision involves drawing a drop of blood from the Bris area of the penis. The child also is named at this time.

Conversion/Adoption: When both parents are Jewish, the child is Jewish. If only one parent is Jewish, the child's religion is determined by that of the birth mother. In the event the birth mother is not Jewish, the child must be converted if the parents want their child to be Jewish. For a boy, the first step in this process is Bris Milah, followed by immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath), usually at the age of one year. "Anyone who rears a child in his home is considered as though he/she had given birth to him." Talmud, Ketubbot 50a.

If a male child born of a non-Jewish mother is adopted by Jewish parents, he also must undergo conversion. The process is as described above. The adoptive parents assume responsibility for circumcision and mikveh as well as for the many other educational obligations which lead to the child's understanding and acceptance of Torah and mitzvos. An older child or adult male who wishes to convert to Judaism also must undergo circumcision, or hatafas dam Bris.