Congratulations on your baby boy! Let the planning begin...
Brit milah is a religious ceremony within Judaism to welcome infant Jewish boys into a covenant between God and the Children of Israel through ritual circumcision performed by a mohel (circumciser). This traditionally happens on the eighth day of the child's life. Years ago, performing the "cut" was the father's responsibility. Today, there are master surgeons with special expertise in Jewish ritual circumcision. The following are local mohels:
Karen Jaffe, M.D. 216.970.4794 kjbris@sbcglobal.net
Rabbi Sruly Koval, Certified Mohel
877.Do.A.Bris cell: 216-509-1989
http://www.clevelandmohel.com/ or Facebook group "My kid was brissed by Rabbi Koval"
Here are some questions that you might want to ask a Mohel:
1. What is your background and training?
2. In addition to being a mohel/mohelet, are you a rabbi, physician or nurse practitioner?
3. Do you have a current medical license and board certification? In what medical specialty?
4. How do you sterilize your instruments? Do you use anesthesia? If so, what type?
5. What technique do you use to perform the circumcision?
6. Do you do a "prep" on the baby? If so, what does it entail?
7. Is the baby restrained on a board during the ceremony?
8. Can you integrate the needs of an interfaith couple?
9. Are you comfortable with a role for both men and women in the ceremony?
10. What part can non-Jews play in the event? Can you describe the ceremony briefly?
11. What is your fee structure?
12. Do you have a list of references that I may contact?