Glossary of Bris Terms, Hidur Mitzvah, Sandek, Kvatter & More
In short: This glossary explains the Hebrew and Yiddish terms families most often encounter when planning a bris — from Hidur Mitzvah and the Throne of Elijah to sandek, kvatter, mohel, and motzi. If a term you didn't understand is missing, 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.
What is Hidur Mitzvah (הדור מצוה)?
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.
What is the Kiddush Cup (כוס יין)?
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.
What is a Kippah (Yarmulke)?
Head covering; the plural is kippot, and yarmulke is the Yiddish term. 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.
What is the Kiseh shel Eliyahu (כיסא של אליהו, Throne of Elijah)?
The chair associated with Elijah the Prophet at every bris. In the Book of Kings, Elijah is known as the angel of the covenant, and as such Elijah is thought to be seated to the right of the sandek at every bris.
Who are the 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.
What is a Minyan (מנין)?
A quorum of ten Jewish adults. It is not required, but preferable, that a minyan be present for the ceremony.
What is a Mohel (מוהל)?
A Jewish practitioner of circumcision, trained by other mohalim or by medical and religious professionals.
What is Motzi (מוציא)?
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.
Who is the Sandek (סנדק)?
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.
What is a Tallit (טלית, 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.
Where can I find 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.