The Brit Milah is done on the eighth day of life and is meant be a public event introducing your son to the Jewish community of which he will be a part.  The location/setting for the ceremony is the choice of the parents; many will choose to do it in the warmth of their own home, while others will use a room at the synagogue to which they belong.  The entire beautiful ceremony takes 20 minutes (including the baby naming portion).  The actual circumcision (surgical part of the brit mila) takes less than a minute.

Family members are invited to participate in the ceremony and are given specific roles as follows:

Sandek: The Sandek must be Jewish and must be present at a brit milah. This great honor is often given to a grandfather, but in Sephardic tradition, the father can serve as the Sandek.  He holds the baby on his lap or on the table during the circumcision.

Kvatter (man), Kvatterin (woman):  Loosely interpreted as "godparents," they are responsible for bringing the baby into the room for the brit milah. The role of kvatterin can be shared by more than one person and is often filled by the grandmothers. The kvatter and kvatterin do not have to be Jewish.

If additional family members wish to participate, they can serve as candle lighters or readers. Your rabbi is welcome to participate/co-officiate the ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, I prepare your son for the circumcision in a private room with either or both parents.  As the ceremony begins, the kvatter/kvatterin carry in the baby with me at their side.  I start the ceremony with a discussion of the meaning and significance of Brit Milah in Jewish culture and tradition. I invite you to say a few words before we light the candles. The kvatter /kvatterin place the baby on Elijah's chair briefly before placing him on the Sandek's lap. I recite the prayer for circumcision and perform the circumcision. After the circumcision, it is traditional to include a naming ceremony, during which family members can be honored with specific readings. The naming ceremony is also a good time to discuss how you chose your baby's name. The ceremony typically concludes with kiddush, hamotzi, and a festive meal.