BRIT MILAH
"וַאֲנִי זֹאת בְּרִיתִי... לֹא יָמוּשׁוּ מִפִּיךָ וּמִפִּי זַרְעֲךָ וּמִפִּי זֶרַע זַרְעֲךָ... מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם"
"This is My covenant... they shall not depart from your mouth, nor from your children's mouth... from now and forever"
— Isaiah 59:21
בְּרִית מִילָה
The Covenant of Circumcision
Tuesday, September 2nd 2025
10 West 10th Street, New York
❦
Introduction & Historical Background
The brit milah (covenant of circumcision) is the oldest continuing religious rite of the Jewish people. Commanded by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10–12, it marks the eternal covenant between God and the people of Israel.
Performed on the eighth day (health permitting), it binds each child into the chain of Jewish generations and is also the moment of naming. Elijah the Prophet—called Malach HaBrit, the Angel of the Covenant—is invoked as the witness to this sacred bond.
Order of the Ceremony
As the boy is brought into the room, all rise and say:
Barukh haba b’shem Adonai
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Adonai.
בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם ה'
Rabbi:
Brit milah, the covenant of circumcision, is a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people that was first established with our ancestor, Abraham, and then renewed at Sinai when the Jewish people received the Torah.
Parents:
Our God and God of our Ancestors, we are grateful for the joy and blessing which our new son brings to us. As parents we accept the awesome responsibility of raising our son to adulthood, of guiding his life, of determining in large measure the values by which he shall live and the ideals toward which he shall strive. We pray for the wisdom to help him fulfill his potential, to be strong when he needs us to be strong, to be gentle when he needs us to be gentle, and to be available in mind and body whenever he needs us.
Rabbi/Mohel: (Regarding the Chair of Elijah)
Zeh ha-kisei shel Eliyahu ha-navi, zakur la-tov
This is the chair of Elijah the prophet, remembered for good.
זֶה הַכִּסֵּא שֶׁל אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא זָכוּר לַטּוֹב
Elijah is an honored “guest,” present at every circumcision. We invoke his memory because Elijah has a reputation for being zealous for God’s covenant. He is also known as the one who establishes peace between parents and their children.
Entering the Covenant
Parents:
Hin’ni mukhan u-m’zuman l’kayem mitzvat aseh shetzivanu ha-borei yitbarakh la-mol et beni, ka-katuv ba-Torah: “U-ven sh’monat yamim yimol lakhem kol zakhar l’doroteikhem.”
We are ready to perform the positive commandment enjoined by the Creator, blessed be God, to circumcise our son, as it is written in the Torah: “Every male among you, throughout your generations, shall be circumcised when he is eight days old” (Genesis 17:12). According to custom, responsibility for bringing our son into the covenant falls upon us. We hereby authorize you to perform the brit milah on our behalf.
הִנְנִי מוּכָן וּמְזֻמָּן לְקַיֵּם מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁצִּוָּנוּ הַבּוֹרֵא יִתְבָּרַךְ לָמוּל אֶת־בְּנִי, כַּכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה: וּבֶן־שְׁמֹנַת יָמִים יִמּוֹל לָכֶם כָּל־זָכָר לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם.
(The Mohel then formally accepts the appointment)
Mohel (to Parents):
Do you authorize me to perform this Brit Milah on your behalf?
Parents:
We authorize you to perform this Brit Milah on our behalf.
Mohel:
(The Mohel recites the blessing before performing the circumcision)
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al ha-milah
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning circumcision.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל הַמִּילָה.
Parents:
(The parents recite their blessing immediately following the mohel)
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hakhniso bivrito shel Avraham avinu
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to bring him into the covenant of Abraham our father.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַכְנִיסוֹ בִּבְרִיתוֹ שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ.
All Present Respond:
Amen. K’shem shenikhnas labrit, ken yikanes la-Torah, la-huppah, ul’ma’asim tovim
Just as he has entered the covenant, so may he enter into a life of Torah, marriage, and good deeds.
אָמֵן. כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנִּכְנַס לַבְּרִית, כֵּן יִכָּנֵס לְתוֹרָה, לְחֻפָּה וּלְמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים.
The Significance of a Hebrew Name
In Jewish tradition, a name is not merely a label but a reflection of one's soul and destiny. The Hebrew name given to a child at his brit milah connects him to his ancestors, the history of the Jewish people, and his own spiritual identity. It is a prayer and a hope, embodying the virtues and qualities his parents wish for him to cultivate throughout his life.
Giving a Name & Blessing over Wine
Rabbi:
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, borei p’ri ha-gafen
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.
Our God and God of our Ancestors, sustain this child for his father and mother. May the one who blessed our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless this beloved child.
V’yikarei sh’mo b’Yisrael — ________ ben Raphael
And let his name be called in Israel: ________, son of Raphael.
וְיִקָּרֵא שְׁמוֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל — יִצְחָק דּוֹב בֶּן רְפָאֵל
Just as he has been brought into the covenant, so may he be guided toward a life of Torah, a loving family, and the performance of good deeds. Amen.
Parents:
(Parents share a few words about the significance of the name they have chosen.)
Blessings for the Child and Family
Prayer of Healing (Mi Sheberakh):
Mi sheberakh avoteinu Avraham, Yitzhak v’Ya’akov, v’imoteinu Sarah, Rivkah, Raḥel v’Leah — hu yevarekh v’yirpa et ha-tinok hazeh meheirah
May God who blessed our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and our mothers Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless this child that healing and strength may come to him speedily. May his father and mother find joy and fulfillment in raising him. May his life be dedicated in faithfulness to You, and may he bring blessing to his parents, to his people and to all humanity.
מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, אַבְרָהָם, יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב, שָׂרָה, רִבְקָה, רָחֵל וְלֵאָה, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת הַיֶּלֶד הָרַךְ הַנִּמּוֹל וְיַרְפְּאֵהוּ רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה, וְיִזְכּוּ הוֹרָיו לְגַדְּלוֹ לְתוֹרָה וּלְחֻפָּה וּלְמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים.
Grandparents’ Prayer:
Our God and God of All Generations, we are grateful for the new beginnings, for the bond of new life that links one generation to another. Thankful for the blessings of family, for the love and care that bring meaning and happiness to our lives, we rejoice in the birth of our grandson. And may we be able to share in the joy of seeing this child into adulthood. May he be a blessing to his family, his people and all humanity. Amen.
Parental Blessing
Parents:
(Parents place their hands on the child's head and recite the traditional blessings.)
Y’simkha Elohim k’Ephraim u’khi Menasheh
May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.
יְשִׂמְךָ אֱלֹהִים כְּאֶפְרַיִם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה.
Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yishm’rekha
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
יְבָרֶכְךָ ה' וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ.
Ya’eir Adonai panav eilekha vichuneka
May the Lord show you kindness and be gracious to you.
יָאֵר ה' פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ.
Yisa Adonai panav eilekha v’yaseim lekha shalom
May the Lord bestow favor upon you and grant you peace.
יִשָּׂא ה' פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם.
Sheheheyanu
The Sheheheyanu is a joyous blessing of gratitude, recited at special moments and when doing something for the first time. It thanks God for sustaining us in life and enabling us to reach this happy and momentous occasion.
All Present:
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has sustained us, enabled us to reach this day.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Mazel Tov!
Siman tov u’mazal tov, mazal tov v’siman tov, yehei lanu ul’khol Yisrael
Congratulations to you, to us, and to all Israel!
סִימָן טוֹב וּמַזָּל טוֹב, מַזָּל טוֹב וְסִימָן טוֹב, יְהֵא לָנוּ וּלְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵל.
(Following the ceremony, all are invited to share congratulations and enjoy a celebratory meal, known as a Seudat Mitzvah—a festive meal that honors the fulfillment of a commandment.)
Blessing Over Bread (HaMotzi)
The meal following a brit milah is a seudat mitzvah—a commanded festive meal. We begin this joyous meal with the blessing over bread, known as HaMotzi. This prayer thanks God for bringing forth bread from the earth, acknowledging the partnership between divine providence and human labor that provides our sustenance.
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha'olam, ha-motzi lechem min ha'aretz.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.
Piyyutim (Closing Songs)
Yedid Nefesh
Yedid nefesh, Av ha-raḥaman, meshokh avdekha el r’tzonekha
Lover of my soul, merciful God, bring Your servant close to Your will.
יְדִיד נֶפֶשׁ אָב הָרַחֲמָן מְשׁוֹךְ עַבְדְּךָ אֶל רְצוֹנֶךָ
Yarutz avdekha k’mo ayal, yishtachaveh mul hadarekha
Your servant will run like a gazelle to bow before Your presence.
יָרוּץ עַבְדְּךָ כְּמוֹ אַיָּל יִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה מוּל הֲדָרֶךָ
Ki ye’erav lo yedidutakha, minofet tsuf v’khol ta’am
For Your companionship is sweeter than honey and every delight.
כִּי יֶעֱרַב לוֹ יְדִידוּתָךְ מִנֹּפֶת צוּף וְכָל טַעַם
Hadur na’eh ziv ha-olam, nafshi cholat ahavatekha
Splendid and lovely radiance of the world—my soul is lovesick for Your love.
הָדוּר נָאֶה זִיו הָעוֹלָם נַפְשִׁי חוֹלַת אַהֲבָתָךְ
Anah El na refa na lah, b’harot lah noam zivkha
Please, God, heal her now by showing her the pleasantness of Your light.
אָנָּא אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ בְּהַרְאוֹת לָהּ נֹעַם זִיוֶךָ
Az tit’chazek v’titrape v’haytah lakh shifchat olam
Then she will be strengthened and healed and will be Your servant forever.
אָז תִּתְחַזֵּק וְתִתְרַפֵּא וְהָיְתָה לָךְ שִׁפְחַת עוֹלָם
Vatik yehemu na rachamekha v’chusah na al ben ahuvakh
Ancient One, let Your mercies well up and have compassion upon the child of Your lover.
וָתִיק יֶהֱמוּ נָא רַחֲמֶיךָ וְחוּסָה נָא עַל בֵּן אֲהוּבָךְ
Ki zeh kameh nichsof nichsafti lir’ot b’tiferet uzakha
For so long I have yearned to see the glory of Your strength.
כִּי זֶה כַמֶּה נִכְסֹף נִכְסַפְתִּי לִרְאוֹת בְּתִפְאֶרֶת עֻזָּךְ
Anah E-li machmad libi, chusha na v’al titalam
Please, my God, delight of my heart—hurry, do not hide Yourself.
אָנָּא אֵלִי מַחְמַד לִבִּי חוּשָׁה נָּא וְאַל תִּתְעַלָּם
Higaleh na u’fros ḥaviv alai et sukkat sh’lomekha
Reveal Yourself and spread over me the shelter of Your peace.
הִגָּלֵה נָא וּפְרֹשׂ חָבִיב עָלַי אֶת סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ
Tair eretz mik’vodekha, nagilah v’nism’cha bakh
Illumine the world with the light of Your glory; let us rejoice and be glad in You.
תָּאִיר אֶרֶץ מִכְּבוֹדֶךָ נָגִילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָה בָךְ
Maher ehov ki va mo’ed v’choneinu kimei olam
Hasten, beloved, for the appointed time has come; show me grace as in days of old.
מַהֵר אֱהֹב כִּי בָא מוֹעֵד וְחָנֵּנוּ כִּימֵי עוֹלָם
Eliyahu HaNavi
Eliyahu ha-navi, Eliyahu ha-Tishbi, Eliyahu ha-Gil’adi.
Elijah the prophet, Elijah the Tishbite, Elijah the Gileadite —
אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא, אֵלִיָּהוּ הַתִּשְׁבִּי, אֵלִיָּהוּ הַגִּלְעָדִי.
Bimhera v'yameinu yavo eileinu, im Mashiach ben David.
may he come quickly to us with the Messiah, son of David.
בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ יָבוֹא אֵלֵינוּ, עִם מָשִׁיחַ בֶּן דָּוִד.
A Prayer for Peace
The longing for peace is central to the Jewish mindset. As we usher the life of a new being into our community, we come back to our aspiration, of each individual and our community at large, to build for a better world.
Oseh shalom bimromav
He Who makes peace in His heights
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו
Hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu v'al kol Yisra'eil
May He make peace upon us and upon all Israel.
הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל
As the biblical Isaac connected Abraham to all future generations, may our brother and son be a strong link in this eternal chain, carrying forward laughter, resilience, strength and covenant to the generations yet to come.
This booklet is dedicated to the memory of our ancestors who kept the covenant through the generations, and in honor of those who surround us today.
— Maya, Athena & Raphael
In loving memory of our grandparents: Florence & Jack Karp, Giselle & Robert Ouzan, and Huguettes & Fabien Lancry