Brit Milah, according to Genesis, is the oldest ritual in Judaism. In Genesis 17, God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his entire household as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. In subsequent generations, boys are to be circumcised at eight days. The Torah does not explain why we are commanded to circumcise our sons. Interpretive explanations include the idea that we are taking part in the completion of a new human being. God gave us this wonderful gift, now it is our responsibility to mold and complete the gift into a Jewish human being. Another explanation is that we are branding our devotion to God in our flesh. Our contract with God is literally signed in blood.

Today, we continue the practice of having a brit milah for boys at eight days old. However, if there is any doubt that circumcision will hurt the infant, the ceremony is postponed. Included in the ceremony is the bestowing of a Hebrew name on the child. The child is now a member of Jewish people and deserves to be called by a Hebrew name.

The brit milah does not need to take place in the synagogue, however many often do hold the brit in the synagogue, after Shacharit (morning) services. If the child is healthy, the brit should take place on the eighth day regardless of what day it is including Shabbat and holidays. There are many qualified mohelim in the New York area who are ritually and medically trained in the performance of circumcisions. Please contact Rabbi Kane for recommendations.