Blog
Insights on the bris, Jewish tradition, and family milestones from Rabbi Howard Glantz.
After-Care: Post-Operative Instructions for the First Week
Simple, clear care instructions for the week after the bris — diaper changes, dressing, what to expect, and exactly when to call Rabbi Glantz.
The Two Certificates Rabbi Glantz Brings to Every Bris
From Rabbi Glantz you'll receive two certificates — a beautiful custom bris certificate with your son's Hebrew and English names, and a second one that always brings a chuckle but is offered with all sincerity.
Ideas for Older Siblings (and Cousins) at the Bris
Two simple, time-tested ideas for keeping older siblings and cousins meaningfully involved at the bris — the tzedakah box gift and decorating the pillow case for the Throne of Elijah.
Glossary of Bris Terms — Hidur Mitzvah, Sandek, Kvatter & More
Hebrew, Yiddish, and ceremony terms you may encounter when planning a bris — from Hidur Mitzvah and the Throne of Elijah to Sandek, Tallit, Mohel, and Motzi.
Brit Kodesh — A Sacred Covenant: Rabbi Glantz's Training at JTS
The Jewish Theological Seminary's Brit Kodesh program trained physicians as mohalim. Rabbi Glantz was one of the rare non-physicians admitted — a meaningful chapter in his ongoing training.
Had a Girl? Mazel Tov! Welcoming Daughters with a Brit Habat
A daughter's welcome is no less sacred than a son's. Rabbi Glantz officiates brit habat/ baby naming ceremonies — at home or in synagogue, with music, blessings, and the joy of generations.
Travel Limits — How Far Will Rabbi Glantz Travel for a Bris?
"I will drive to where I am needed within reason." The honest answer on travel — service area, recommendations for families further out, and the long-distance britot Rabbi Glantz has performed.
Interfaith? Not Jewish? Rabbi Glantz Welcomes Every Family
Rabbi Glantz prides himself on being available to every family — interfaith, non-Jewish, or Jewish — and works closely with each to make the bris meaningful for everyone in the room.
The Prayers of the Bris
A look at the prayers and blessings recited during the bris ceremony — the words that mark a baby's entry into the covenant of Abraham.
How Do You Spell B-R-I-S? (And M-O-Y-E-L?) — Plus Some Humor
Milah, bris, brit, brit milah... mohel, moyel, moyl? There's no single right way to spell either word. Here's the why — plus a running list of every TV episode that's featured a bris.
Pain Management at the Bris
In a traditional bris performed by a skilled mohel, the procedure is brief. Here are the pain-management methods Rabbi Glantz uses, in order — before, during, and after the ceremony.
PJ Library: A Wonderful Resource for New Jewish Parents
From the moment your baby arrives, you can begin building a Jewish home full of stories, songs, and tradition. PJ Library makes it beautifully easy.
The Throne of Elijah
The special chair used at every bris, from a simple folding chair to the most ornate — and its connection to Elijah the Prophet.
Traditional Honors at the Bris
The sandek, kvatter and kvatterin, candle lighters, and other ways to involve family in the ceremony.
Medical Studies and Circumcision
The medical benefits of circumcision continue to be discussed. Rabbi Glantz keeps up on the most current research.
My Favorite Jewish Causes
Two organizations close to my heart — Leket Israel and Orr Shalom — doing extraordinary work for those in need.