Question 1

What is a Certified Mohel?

Accepted Answer

One of the oldest professions in the Jewish community, a mohel is certified practitioner and surgical expert who specializes in religious or cultural neonatal circumcision— an expertise which pre-dated the modern medical intervention by thousands of years.

Like other skilled professionals, Certified Mohels undergo rigorous clinical training under direct supervision, usually in the context of a clinical apprenticeship as well as prerequisite coursework. To be certified, mohels must display both surgical precision as well as demonstrate competency in neonatal health and wound care as it relates to circumcision.

In additional to related health and surgical expertise, traditionally certified mohels are also trained as authorities in liturgical matters relating the the Jewish rite of the bris as well as related Jewish law. While many Mohels are also rabbis or cantors, a mohel is a distinct clerical position within the Jewish community, with substantial coursework and training beyond standard rabbinical ordination or cantorial investiture.

Question 2

Are you the right Mohel for our family?

Accepted Answer

I proudly and passionately serve the entire Jewish community in all of its beautiful diversity regardless of marital status, orientation/identity and denominational affiliation. I trained to be a mohel to serve you and your family to best of my abilities and sensitivities and to ensure your son the safest bris.

Question 3

What does the ceremony look like?

Accepted Answer

Besides the blessings and some other core requirements, the ceremony can be customized to what makes the most sense for you and your family. 
 
For a general outline of the ceremony and roles, please visit "The Ceremony" tab.

Question 4

What makes your ceremonies special?

Accepted Answer

I work with families to craft a meaningful and engaging ceremony filled with song, family and guest engagement. The bris represents the beginning of the magnificent Jewish life-cycle and I will do my best to ensure it is memorable and impactful.

Please check out my reviews from some of the many families I have worked with!

Question 5

What are your safety precautions?

Accepted Answer

Your son's safety is my #1 priority, and I and I work to ensure the highest standards for sterility within the context of a home, hall or synagogue.

All my instruments undergo dry-heat sterilization and come sealed to the ceremony, I use a sterile field for the instruments when not in use, and I use latex-free gloves when performing the procedure.

Question 6

When to be in touch?

Accepted Answer

Many families choose to be in touch with me to learn more about my practice and to better understand the bris process  in advance of the baby's arrival. No time is too early to make contact and it would be my pleasure to guide you through the process of what to expect and answer any questions you may have!

Some families choose to wait until the baby arrives.

Question 7

How and when do we book?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with Jewish tradition (and since the bris is generally held on the eighth day of life, and we do not know exactly when he will arrive,) official booking takes place only after baby is born. It is at that point that any mohel would be confirm specific availability for a time and date.

You should be in touch within the first few hours on the day of the baby's arrival. At that point, I would take a deposit to hold your spot.

Question 8

Do you do  Metzitzah B'peh?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not and will not do Metzitzah B'peh. Safety and sterility are at the center of my practice.

While the custom is indeed still practiced in more insular chassidic communities, it is not something families are likely to encounter with almost any mohel serving the greater Jewish community.

The practice is based on a notion from pre-modern medicine, similar to blood letting, and came into being for medical reasons based on what the common wisdom was at the time. Since it is now known to be dangerous, it is no longer practiced or sanctioned by most mainstream rabbinic authorities.

Question 9

How do you manage pain during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

I recommend families use a local topical anesthetic, OTC lidocaine 4% and/or an orally administered sugar solution. There is also an option to pre-treat the baby with infant Tylenol © prior to the bris.

Question 10

Are you available for follow-up after the bris?

Accepted Answer

Your son's safety and comfort is my top priority and I make myself available by text, phone, FaceTime and whatsapp for followup whenever you need me. If you call and I don't pick up right away, please text me and I will get back to you as soon as I can,

Question 11

Do you only do brises for infants?

Accepted Answer

In addition to infant circumcision, I preform hatafot dam brit on children and adults who are either converting or have not recived a kosher bris prior.

Rabbi Eliezer Lawrence C.M.

The Family Mohel

FAQs

What is a Certified Mohel?

Are you the right Mohel for our family?

What does the ceremony look like?

What makes your ceremonies special?

What are your safety precautions?

When to be in touch?

How and when do we book?

Do you do Metzitzah B'peh?

How do you manage pain during the procedure?

Are you available for follow-up after the bris?

Do you only do brises for infants?