J5.1 Birth rites: the key features and importance of birth rites in different Jewish communities

Question 1

What is the Brit Milah

Answer 1

Covenant of circumcision
Jewish ceremony where baby boys are circumcised (the removal of the foreskin) on the eighth day after birth.

Question 2

What does the circumsicion symbolize

Answer 2

sign of the covenant (agreement) between G-d and Abraham, as mentioned in the Torah (Genesis 17:10-12).

Question 3

Who is the Mohel and their roles

Answer 3

Circumcizer
A mohel is a trained person who performs the circumcision safely and respectfully.

Question 4

Who is the Sandek and their roles

Answer 4

Someone, often a close family member, who holds the baby during the ceremony (on their knee), representing support and love.

Question 5

What are some ritual performed in the Brit milah

Answer 5

Prayers are said asking for blessings for the baby. Families then celebrate with food and community.
They often name the baby too

Question 6

Strength of Brit Milah

Answer 6

Strength: Reinforces Jewish identity and shows the family’s commitment to G-d.

Question 7

Weakness of Brit Milah

Answer 7

Weakness: Some people may question whether this should be done on babies too young to decide for themselves.

Question 8

Naming ceremonies for boys and girls

Answer 8

Often held alongside Brit Milah for boys and in the synagogue for girls.
Blessings are said for the child’s health and future.

Question 9

What language are the babies named in and why

Answer 9

Hebrew name
connecting them to their Jewish heritage and honouring family or historical figures.

Question 10

Strength of naming ceremonies

Answer 10

Strength: Celebrates the baby’s place in the community and family.

Question 11

Weakness of naming ceremodies

Answer 11

Weakness: Names chosen might create high expectations for the child later in life.