שאלה טבעית לכל הורה: מה יקרה לתינוק שלנו בברית המילה? כאן תקבלו תשובה פשוטה ובהמשך גם הסבר מפורט
The Ceremony: What to Expect at the Brit Milah
It’s natural to ask: What exactly happens to my baby during the Brit Milah? I’ll explain everything, first in simple words, then in detail, so you feel at ease.
For those who want only the general idea
The Brit Mila is the removal of the foreskin from the baby’s penis, according to the commandment given to the people of Israel. A baby boy’s anatomy includes two layers of foreskin, called the Orlah and the Priyah.
During the Brit Mila, both layers are removed so that the head (glans) of the penis is fully revealed, as required for a kosher circumcision. After the procedure, the baby’s penis will be gently covered with a protective bandage. This usually stays in place for about 24 hours. Healing is generally very quick, and babies return to feeding and sleeping normally soon after.
From this point on, the head of the penis will remain exposed for life, a sign of the covenant given to Abraham and all his descendants as commanded in the Scriptures and described below.
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For those who want to know the details
Some parents want to understand every stage of the Brit Mila. If that’s you, here is a careful explanation of what happens during the ceremony.
To begin, it’s important to know that the Orlah (foreskin) is not the only layer of skin covering the glans. Beneath it lies another thin membrane called the Or HaPriyah (inner foreskin). This layer is not visible until after the initial cut. For the Brit Mila to be kosher and aesthetically pleasing, the Or HaPriyah must be folded back (and sometimes fully removed) so that the head of the penis remains fully revealed. This is an integral part of the traditional ceremony (mitzvah) as described by the Halacha.
Now, step by step:
1. Sandak – Before the ceremony, the baby is placed on the Sandak’s lap. The Mohel opens the diaper and the Sandak gently holds the baby’s legs. Most babies cry already at this stage, mostly because they feel cold or the new position is unusual for them.
2. Sterilization – The area is cleaned and sterilized. This is completely painless and ensures the procedure is safe.
3. Hafrada (Separation) – The Or HaPriyah is usually gently attached to the glans. Using a special probe, the Mohel carefully separates it. This takes only a few seconds and may be uncomfortable.
4. Tfisa (Grasping) – The Mohel lifts the foreskin to the right position and places a metallic protective shield (Magen) to cover the glans. This guarantees that the glans itself is not touched during the cut.
5. Chituch (Cutting) – The Mohel recites the appropriate blessing, and afterwards the foreskin (Orlah) is removed in a quick and precise cut, lasting a few milliseconds. In my experience, this part is usually less painful than the Hafrada.
6. Priyah (Uncovering) – Once the cut is complete, the second layer (Or HaPriyah) is gently opened and quickly folded down, ensuring the glans remains fully visible. This step is essential for a kosher Brit Milah.
7. Metzitzah – Using a glass tool, the Mohel performs a suction over the wound without touching the baby. There are different traditional methods, and most mohalim use the mouth to do it, which I'm firmly against. This step is essential, but not all methods are equally safe. Unlike the standard rabbinic approach, I use a carefully adapted method that is both halachically valid and medically safer. If necessary, I’ll be glad to explain exactly how this works and why it makes a difference for your baby
8. Bandaging – The area is then carefully bandaged. The bandage protects the wound and holds the skin in place while it heals. Unlike many mohalim, I use a special powder developed in Israel, which works both as a natural anesthetic and as a very effective hemostatic (stops bleeding). This ensures a more comfortable recovery for the baby.
It’s worth noting that different mohalim use different methods to stop bleeding. Unfortunately, some use substances that are not approved for neonatal procedures. Now you have enough information to choose a Mohel carefully, safe techniques, and a gentle touch matter.