Glossary of Bris Terms — Hidur Mitzvah, Sandek, Kvatter & More

If this list is missing a term you didn't understand — be it on this site or otherwise — please email Rabbi Glantz and he'll be glad to respond and likely add it to this list.

הדור מצוה — Hidur Mitzvah

The principle of making a mitzvah beautiful — using a silver cup rather than paper, a beautiful cloth to cover challah rather than a tissue or napkin. The principle is bounded, though: it can be exaggerated to the point of gaudiness, and it can never interfere with one's ability to provide for the essential needs of a family — clothing, shelter, food, and the rest.

כוס יין — Kiddush Cup

Any cup, even paper, can be used to fulfill the mitzvah of making kiddush — the prayer over wine that precedes the naming liturgy at a bris. That said, the principle of Hidur Mitzvah (above) applies here.

Kippah/ Kippot (plural)/ Yarmulke (Yiddish)

Head covering. Traditionally, all men have their heads covered during the brit and the Seudat Mitzvah (the feast that follows). Women are welcome to as well — and many women in progressive and liberal Jewish movements take upon themselves the same garb and mitzvot traditionally only required of men.

כיסא של אליהו — Kiseh shel Eliyahu (Throne of Elijah)

In the Book of Kings, Elijah is known as the angel of the covenant. As such, Elijah is thought to be seated to the right of the sandek at every bris.

Kvatter and Kvatterin

An Ashkenazic custom: the female usher (kvatterin) takes baby from his mother and hands him to the male usher (kvatter), who ultimately places him on the pillow on the lap of the sandek.

מנין — Minyan

It is not required, but preferable, that a minyan (a quorum of ten Jewish adults) be present for the ceremony.

מוהל — Mohel

A Jewish practitioner of circumcision. Trained by other mohalim, or by medical and religious professionals.

מוציא — Motzi

Literally, motzi translates to "take out" or "take from." At a bris, the person honored with making motzi (or hamotzi) is asked to recite the blessing that acknowledges G-d as the One Who brings forth bread from the earth.

סנדק — Sandek

The sandek is the highest honor given at a bris — the person who holds the baby on the pillow during the circumcision itself, seated on the Throne of Elijah. Read more about the history of this role at Wikipedia.

טלית — Tallit/ Tallis

The prayer shawl with four corners. Tied to each corner are tzitzit, wound and knotted in a manner that holds deep symbolism and spirituality. The father and sandek(s) are encouraged to wear their tallit; others may if they desire.

For a More Exhaustive Glossary

Rabbi Glantz's rabbinical thesis at the Academy for Jewish Religion contains a far more exhaustive glossary of brit milah-related terms — historical, halakhic, and clinical — alongside the larger argument it makes about traditional practice today. You can read the full thesis here:

Glantz, Howard — "An Argument for Proactively Eliminating Metzitzah b'Feh" (PDF)

For terms unrelated to brit milah but useful for general Jewish life, the Judaism 101 website maintains a thorough glossary as well.