The Sacred Covenant

The Bris Ceremony

What to expect on the day of your son's bris

Opening Honors

The entrance into the covenant that began with Abraham should be a beautiful and even powerful experience for everyone in attendance. Rabbi Glantz often begins with a few introductory words giving some historical and biblical context to this commandment.

Once Rabbi has arranged all the honorees, baby is typically brought nearer to the room by his parents and handed to the Kvatterin and Kvatter, ultimately resting on the pillow lying on the lap of the Sandek.

The Sandek is the highest honor at a bris — often a grandfather. The sandek holds baby on a pillow (on the Throne of Elijah) and puts wine or grape juice to baby’s lips while Rabbi Glantz performs the ceremony. Howard can easily use two sandeks so each grandfather plays an important role. The honor need not be limited to males or grandparents.

The Throne of Elijah

Once baby is on the pillow, Howard has everyone repeat after him the words בָּרוּך הַבָּא — Barukh Haba — words that welcome your son to the area where the bris is to take place, known as the כִּסֵּא שֶׁל אֵלִיָּהוּ — the Throne of Elijah.

Some synagogues have a special chair for britot ceremonies. A nice project for baby's older siblings and cousins is to decorate a chair for Elijah with streamers and signs.

The Bris Itself

As Rabbi Glantz performs his work, he continues to explain our tradition and keeps everyone calm by leading all in attendance in verse, nigunim (wordless melodies), and songs. Before long, baby is back in a parent's arms — usually mom — nursing or having his bottle.

Creative Extras

Oftentimes, families would like to add honors for more relatives and friends — an opportunity to be creative. Rabbi Glantz always has some extra readings on cards that can be used. As well, you or another honoree may have their own creative reading, favorite poem, or teaching to share.

There is also a European custom of lighting candles at a bris (usually done early on during the initial explanation). They add a soothing element and aesthetic to the room.

Discuss any of this with Rabbi Howard — he takes great pleasure in customizing the ceremony to your needs.

The Naming Ceremony

The naming ceremony is another deeply meaningful part of the brit milah. Rabbi Glantz will guide you through this beautiful tradition, during which your son receives his Hebrew name. Had or having a girl? Ask about the Simchat Bat (baby girl naming ceremony).

Ready to pre-register for your son's bris?

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