What is a bris?

A Bris, also known as a Brit Milah, is a Jewish religious circumcision ceremony performed on a male infant on the eighth day of his life, provided he is healthy. It's a deeply significant ritual marking a boy's entry into the covenant between God and Abraham.

The ceremony involves a mohel, a person trained in the procedure and Jewish law, who performs the circumcision. The infant is usually held by a sandek, an honored guest, often a grandfather or other respected figure.

The significance of the Bris is rooted in the Torah, where God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants as a symbol of their covenant. It's a physical manifestation of Jewish identity and commitment to Jewish tradition.

The ceremony includes prayers, blessings, and the giving of the baby's Hebrew name. A festive meal, known as a seudat mitzvah, typically follows the Bris.

While the procedure has medical aspects, the religious and cultural aspects are paramount in the Jewish tradition. It is generally considered an essential and non-negotiable practice within Orthodox and Conservative Judaism. Reform Judaism takes a more varied approach, with some families choosing to observe the tradition while others do not.