Frequently Asked
Questions

The Brit Milah is performed on the eighth day of life, with the day of birth counted as day one. Jewish days begin at sunset, so the timing of birth matters — a baby born on Sunday morning will have his Brit the following Sunday, while a baby born Sunday evening after sunset will have his Brit the following Monday.

I am happy to help you calculate the right date once your baby arrives. If there are any questions about timing — including Shabbat, holidays, or a C-section birth — we will figure it out together.

If your baby needs a little extra time, the Brit may be delayed for medical reasons. In the event that a baby is not in perfect health, the Brit is postponed until both the baby's pediatrician and I are in agreement that the baby is healthy and the procedure is completely safe.

You are welcome to reach out at any point during your pregnancy. I am happy to answer questions about Brit Milah, circumcision, or anything else that is on your mind — there is no such thing as too early.

Once your baby is born, please contact me as soon as possible so we can determine the timing for the ceremony. In the meantime, you are welcome to gather your supplies in advance so everything is ready when the day arrives.

I use a small injection of lidocaine to numb the area before the procedure. I also use sugar water or a few drops of sweet wine, which help raise the pain-fighting endorphins that occur naturally in the baby's brain, keeping them calm during the ceremony.

Yes — the ceremony is called a Brit Bat. It is a joyful celebration welcoming a baby girl into the covenant of the Jewish people. No physical procedure is involved; girls are fully welcomed into the Jewish community through a naming ceremony.

The Brit Bat closely mirrors the Brit Milah in structure, with the same honored roles for family and loved ones to participate in.

Not knowing is no reason to wait — I welcome you to reach out at any point during your pregnancy, even if the sex of your baby is unknown. It can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about both ceremonies, think through your options, and feel prepared to welcome your child however they arrive.

The ceremony should take place wherever your family feels most comfortable. In most cases this is in the family's home or the home of a close relative, though other options include a synagogue, a restaurant with a private room, or a catering hall.

Any size gathering is appropriate — it can be as intimate as just the parents, or as large as you would like. A minyan (a quorum of ten Jewish people) is not required. The decision about who to invite should be based entirely on your own personal and family considerations.

I feel honored to serve every version of a Jewish family. I will proudly perform a Brit Milah for families where one parent is Jewish and there is an intent to bring Judaism into the child's life. I will perform a Brit for single parents, gay parents, nonbinary parents, heterosexual parents, and families of every race and nationality. I celebrate everything that creates the culture of your beautiful family.

For some families, you have been comfortably part of a Jewish community for a long time. For others, the birth of your child marks your first calling to the covenant. Either way, I very much look forward to welcoming your family.

If your family is not Jewish, I am also able to perform a medical circumcision for your son in your home.

The fee for a Brit Milah or Brit Bat is $1,000. Depending on the distance from McLean, VA, an additional travel fee may apply.

I am happy to provide a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance carrier. Please be aware that religious circumcision is often not covered by insurance, though it is worth checking with your provider.