About the Brit Milah (Bris) Ceremony
The Brit Milah (Bris) is the ceremony that occurs on the child's 8th day of life. Brit means Covenant, and Milah means Circumcision. It is the ceremony of identity: it incorporates the act of circumcision (physical identity) and the naming of the child with their Hebrew name (spiritual and religious identity). It is the longest continuously run ritual of the Jewish people. Its origins are found in the Torah in Genesis 17, where God commands the Jewish people to perform the circumcision act to uphold their portion of the covenant with God, who in turn provides for the continued prosperity of the Jewish people. This ceremony connects us to our ancient and modern Jewish ancestors, unites all living Jews across the globe, and provides the framework for future Jewish generations to connect to us.
This ceremony is special as the modern Jewish faith believes the act of circumcision and the Brit Milah Ceremony is the official symbol of the Covenant that the Jewish people have made with God. Though the circumcision procedure does not itself make the child a Jew (birth to at least 1 Jewish parent or the Conversion process does), the Brit Milah welcomes the child into the Jewish culture and faith. It is an opportunity for the child's parents and grandparents to show their commitment to the continuation of Judaism through the celebration of the Brit Milah Ceremony and their desire for their new son/grandson to uphold these traditions.
Dr. James is qualified to perform both the entire Brit Milah Ceremony as well as the circumcision procedure. Generally, the ceremony takes 30-45 minutes to complete in its entirety. He is also able to assist in the selection of your child's Hebrew name (Shem Kodesh) if needed. If the family of the newborn has instead elected to have their own Rabbi complete the Brit Milah Ceremony, Dr. James is more than happy to complete just the circumcision procedure.
About the Circumcision
The circumcision is a medical procedure in which the foreskin of the male penis is removed. As a practicing OBGYN physician, Dr. James is authorized and trained in the use of various medical techniques to complete this procedure, including topical and injectable anesthetics and medical circumcision devices. Generally, the circumcision procedure takes 3-5 minutes to complete in its entirety.
Injectable anesthetics such as lidocaine are used to reduce the pain for the child. In a comparative systematic review looking at injectable anesthetic vs topical anesthetic cream vs placebo, the injectable anesthetic was shown to be the superior option. Dr. James has extensive experience with the Dorsal Penile Nerve Block (DPNB) procedure, in which an injectable anesthetic is used. Dr. James performs the DPNB immediately prior to the circumcision to allow for maximal effect and prevent the anesthetic from wearing off if delayed too far from the procedure itself. Dr. James also encourages the use of sugar water (with or without kosher wine) as an additional soothing agent.
Circumcision devices (such as the Mogen clamp or the Gomco Clamp) have been shown to significantly reduce the time it takes to complete the circumcision while also reducing post-circumcision pain. Dr. James also has experience with these tools and prefers the Mogen Clamp due to its ease of use, reduced time of procedure, and reduction in the child's distress.
During the circumcision procedure, Dr. James brings his own set of medical-grade equipment.
About the Hatafat Dam Brit
The Hatafat Dam Brit Ceremony is analogous to the Brit Milah Ceremony. It follows the same general outline of the Brit Milah ceremony, including Hebrew prayers, a medical procedure, and the confirmation of the person's Hebrew name.
The Hatafat Dam Brit Ceremony is reserved for someone wishing to be instilled into the Jewish custom who has already been non-religiously circumcised. For example, a child who was circumcised in the hospital before discharge without the Hebrew prayers or a non-Jewish child adopted (also non-religiously already circumcised) by Jewish parents wishing to raise that child Jewish. Also, an adult who was already non-religiously circumcised as a child who now wishes to complete the Conversion process may undergo Hatafat Dam Brit.
The Hatafat Dam Brit procedure itself includes the drawing of blood from the remnants of the foreskin. This is accomplished via a small, painless pinprick. Dr. James uses a disposable sterile lancet, similar to the ones used in a fingerstick test of a person's finger to check glucose levels.
Generally, a child or adult wishing to have this procedure completed will already be in contact with a Rabbi to help facilitate the Conversion process. Generally, Hatafat Dam Brit is coordinated between the Rabbi and a Mohel and is one of the last steps before the conversion process is complete.
Dr. James is able and willing to perform this procedure in conjunction with one's Rabbi.
About the Baby Naming (keri-at hashem)
It is an honor to give the baby both a secular English name (kinnui) as well as a Hebrew name (shem kodesh). This Hebrew name will be what is used throughout their religious life, during their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, Wedding, and each and every time they are called for an aliyah during the reading of the torah.
Some ways to choose a Hebrew name:
1. If a biblical English name is chosen (David, Adam, Noah, etc), then the Hebrew name could simply be the Hebrew equivalent.
2. If the child's English name has an alternative meaning (after a city [Austin, Dallas, Dakota, Troy], after a time frame [August], after an activity [Hunter, Archer, Drew], or after an object [River, Reed, Cannon, Clay]), then the Hebrew name may be the Hebrew translation of the word.
3. A child's Hebrew name may be in the memory of a relative. Ashkenazi Jews (European ancestry) typically name a new child after a deceased relative, while Sephardic Jews (Spanish, African ancestry) typically name a child after a living relative. For example, to honor grandfather Sam, the child may be named Shmuel.
4. A child's Hebrew name may reflect qualities or attributes that the parents hope the child will possess. For example, Dr. James' Hebrew name is Eitan Velvel (איתן װעלװעל). Eitan means strength, and Velvel is a nickname for Volf, Yiddish for wolf. Velvel is also closely related to Dr. James' English middle name, William, after his great uncle Willie.
5. A child may be named after the torah portion (parsha) at the time of the child's birth. For example, a child born during/near Purim may be Mordechai or Esther, or may be named Pesach if near Passover.
6. A child may be named for the time of the year. For example, a child born during springtime may be named Aviva (spring).
7. A child may be named after a meaningful animal. For example, Leib or Arya (lion), or Dov or Ber (bear)
8. A child may be named after a meaningful color. For example, Gella (yellow), Gruna (green), or Roza (red).
9. A child may be named with the embodiment of luck (Chaim or Chaya, meaning luck).
Traditionally, families consult with their Rabbi to assist in naming their child. If the family does not have a Rabbi, Dr. James is more than happy to assist in the selection of the Hebrew name.
Families may also consult The New Name Dictionary by Alfred Kolatch or visit Kveller.com to browse options and find more resources to assist.