מוהל מוסמך המשרת משפּחות משיחיות
First impressions - how's the baby?
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Usually, it isn’t necessary to see the baby before the Brit Milah. The hospital birth report gives us a reliable picture of the baby’s health. In fact, the fewer people around in his first week, the better.
But sometimes, during a conversation with the parents or reviewing the birth report, a few questions arise. To ensure the Brit Milah will be completely safe and smooth, I often recommend a short pre-visit. As mohalim, we go through comprehensive training to prepare us for every situation. With just a few questions and a thorough physical examination, it is possible to confirm the baby’s health and guarantee that the ceremony will be safe for him.
This meeting is not just about checking medical readiness, it’s also an opportunity for us to meet, for you to ask questions, and for me to guide you step by step through the ceremony.
As a father and a certified mohel, I believe your baby’s safety, comfort, and calm experience must always come first. Unlike many orthodox mohalim, I take the time to examine every detail so we know that when the day comes, everything will be safe and prepared.
During this visit, I will carefully check:
General Health and Appearance
At first glance, a healthy baby is easy to recognize, his eyes are alert, his reflexes strong, and he holds himself with natural energy. I will review his weight, muscle tone, feeding patterns, and overall awareness. If something appears unusual, I may recommend consulting your pediatrician before proceeding. This ensures that the Brit Milah is performed only when the baby is truly ready.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin)
The Halacha requires postponing the Brit Milah if the baby is yellow. Medically, this is called jaundice, caused by high bilirubin levels in the blood. In mild cases, this condition clears naturally as the baby eats and flushes the bilirubin out of his system. I check the baby’s skin color not only on the face (which can be misleading) but also on the stomach, legs, and back. If bilirubin levels seem high (above 13–13.5), I may ask for a simple test to confirm. The ceremony will only take place once I'm sure it's safe.
Eye Infections
Redness, swelling, or strong green/yellow discharge in the eyes may indicate an eye infection. In such cases, both the Halacha and medical safeguards require postponing the Brit Milah until the infection clears, and in some rare cases, waiting an additional week afterward. If there is only minor discharge, I may suggest eyedrops to prevent infection from developing further. By alerting me early to any symptoms, you help ensure your baby’s readiness.
Anatomy of the Penis
Most babies are born with normal anatomy. Occasionally, conditions such as hypospadias, hydrocele, or other variations are present. These should not worry you — most of them do not prevent a kosher Brit Milah, but they do require preparation and sometimes a different approach. My role is to notice these details in advance so that the procedure is done correctly, safely, and respectfully.
Clotting and Bleeding Safety
It is essential to confirm that the baby has received Vitamin K (standard in most hospitals today) and that there is no family history of clotting or bleeding disorders. This simple check reassures us that healing will be fast and without complications.
Hygiene and Comfort
I am committed to the highest standard of hygiene. All instruments are sterile, the environment is clean, and the ceremony is performed with modern methods that minimize discomfort. Your baby’s calm and safety are my top priorities.
Guidance for Parents
Finally, I will prepare you for the day itself: what clothes are best for the baby, what you may need to bring, and how to care for him after the ceremony. This guidance reduces stress and allows you to focus on the joy of the mitzvah, knowing everything is ready.
Why This Meeting Matters
This short visit gives everyone peace of mind. You as parents feel reassured, and I as a mohel know that when I stand with you on the day of the Brit Milah, your son is safe and everything is prepared. Together we can ensure that this sacred moment is not only meaningful but also carried out in the safest way possible.
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