Q: How long after birth does the circumcision take place?
A: As long as there are no health concerns, the Bris should be performed on the eighth day. If the baby is too ill to have his Bris on the 8th day, the Bris is delayed until the baby is healthy.
Q: Why should I choose a Mohel over a hospital circumcision?
A: The most experienced, skillful, and pain-free choice for a Bris is to use a specially trained mohel. A traditional Bris is quick and done as the baby sits in the arms of a loved one in the comfort of your home or synagogue.
There are several reasons why a hospital circumcision does not constitute a Kosher Bris. A medical circumcision does not necessarily take place on the eighth day, which is significant in Jewish tradition. Doctors also use a clamp (either gomco or mogen), which renders the Bris not kosher. These clamps cause unnecessary pain to the baby. Additionally, administering anesthesia injections to a small baby and using hemostats (medical pliers) are often more painful than the actual Bris itself.
Q: When should I contact the Mohel?
A: To ensure proper scheduling of the Bris ceremony, it is recommended to contact the Mohel as soon as the baby is born. Parents can also reach out to Rabbi Ceitlin prior to the birth to address any inquiries they may have. Upon receiving the parents' request, the Mohel will arrange a visit to examine the baby and finalize the ceremony details several days before the Bris.
Q. Does my medical insurance cover all/part of the Bris costs?
A: This varies between insurance companies. Often, ritual circumcision is not covered; however there are cases where the insurance will reimburse you for the procedure. Rabbi Ceitlin can write a receipt which can be submitted to the insurance company. You should call your insurance company directly to ascertain your family's coverage.
Q. How much does the circumcision hurt the baby?
A: With a traditional Bris, the baby will feel pain for the first few seconds of the procedure. The pain is limited and passes quickly, however the special bond developed between the child and God is everlasting! Moreover, a traditional Bris that is performed without the use of clamps or anesthesia, is actually a faster and more comfortable experience for the baby.
Q. How long following the procedure does it take for the baby to recover?
Q. What is the aftercare process for the baby following the Bris?
Q. In which areas do you offer home circumcision services?
A: The duration of recovery after the Bris can vary for each baby, but typically, most babies recover within a few days. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions provided by the Mohel to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery for the baby.
A: The aftercare process for the baby following the Bris is minimal and stress-free, as the Mohel will provide guidance on caring for the wound, as well as on diaper changes and bathing. You can rest assured that the Mohel will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during the healing process.
A: Rabbi Ceitlin is passionate about the Mitzvah of Bris and is generally able to make himself available to travel to perform a circumcision. He travels regularly to many cities in the region, including New Orleans, Slidell, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Jackson (MS), Gulfport-Biloxi (MS), Mobile (AL), Pensacola (FL), the entire Florida panhandle, Texas, Georgia, and beyond.