So You Want to Make a Bris: Everything You Need to Know About Having a Bris for Your Newborn Son

Of all the issues that confront Jewish couples when they are having a baby, one that often catches them by surprise is the need to make arrangements--if the baby is a boy--for a bris (brit milah) on the eighth day after the baby's birth. Years ago when most Jews lived in fairly close communities and were more observant of religious rituals, if you were having a baby, you found it easy to get information about having a bris. Now with many young Jewish couples living far from their parents and home communities and having less knowledge about and observance of Jewish customs, such information is less readily available. That is why this book has been written. Its goal is to provide clear, accurate information about all aspects of the modern bris ceremony. The information in this book will help couples (1) make decisions about having a bris, (2) choose a mohel, and (3) understand the medical and religious aspects of this significant family event.

So You Want to Make a Bris is especially useful for the practical detail it gives. It covers such topics as:  

• How to find a mohel
• What to pay the mohel
• What guests should wear to the bris ceremony
• Is it appropriate to bring a baby present to a bris
• Why is the eighth day so important
• What should "mixed couples" do about having a bris
• The medical pros and cons of having a circumcision

While much of this information will be provided by whichever mohel a couple picks to perform their bris, So You Want to Make a Bris is an easy, convenient, and comprehensive way to prepare for and set up this important lifecycle ceremony.