Dear Parents-to-be:

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your new son! I am pleased that you have asked me to perform the Brit Milah. I am a graduate of the Brit Kodesh program at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and thus am certified by the Conservative Movement as a Mohel. I do Britot for Orthodox, Conservative and Reform families, as well as for many unaffiliated couples. Many families ask me to also be their son's pediatrician, and I very much appreciate this additional honor. My practice is not generally open for new patients, but I can make exceptions for newborns.

As I indicated by phone, I like to "preview" the whole ceremony via this letter. Enclosed you will find a copy of the actual ceremony. The Hebrew portions are standard, but the English readings can be modified by you as desired. It is also optional if you want to tell the guests the significance of his English or Hebrew names. Since I am a Certified Mohel, it is not necessary to have a rabbi present, but I am happy to share the officiating with a rabbi, if you so wish. If a rabbi is present, he or she may have some modifications of the ceremony, but the general order is the same.

The "cast of characters" includes, of course, the baby and parents! In addition, someone needs to carry him into the room at the start of the ceremony. This honor is often given to a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Another person is honored as the Sandek.....the one who holds the baby during the actual circumcision. This can be a man or woman, as long as they are Jewish. The person needs to be comfortable with some minor surgery being performed in front of their eyes. As the enclosed papers indicate, grandparents have an English reading if they are present.

We start the ceremony with the guests gathered in a circle, usually in the living room. When it comes time for the actual circumcision, those who are interested can watch closely, with the others standing quietly in the back of the room.

During the circumcision, the baby lies on a table (usually the dining room table), with cushioning provided by a pad from the changing table or a folded blanket or bath towel. The Sandek sits near the baby's head, and reaches across to keep the infant's legs still while I perform the circumcision.

In addition to the table and pad, you will need to have some Kosher wine in a Kiddush cup or other glass, some Vaseline, and a clean diaper on the table. I bring all sterile supplies and the gauze necessary to place on the penis.

I always anesthetize with Novacaine for the circumcision. This involves two small injections at the base of the penis about five minutes before we start the ceremony. This insures that he will not feel pain during the procedure.....he may fuss about lying flat on his back with his legs restrained, but he will not scream in pain.

Please ask your guests to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the expected start of the ceremony. It helps if the baby is well-fed about 30 minutes before we begin. It also helps if the child's outfit permits easy dressing and undressing of the lower part of his body. A gown with a drawstring at the bottom instead of pants really is ideal, but not mandatory.

Instead of my professional fee, I recommend a contribution to a Jewish charity of your choice. I will suggest charities if you need advice in this regard.

Please call if you have more questions. You are welcome to come and meet with me in advance, if you wish. My secretary can set up an appointment for most mornings at 8:00. Please ask to speak with me directly if you prefer another time or on a weekend. I look forward to meeting your family and friends, and hope to make the bris a most meaningful experience.

Sincerely,

Alan B. Singer, M.D.