Circumcision

The Brit milah ritual is performed eight days after the birth of a boy. Circumcision brings the child into the covenant with Abraham, who is traditionally considered the first Jew. The mother hands over the newborn to the sandek (godfather) through a relative or friend of the family. The sandek is usually a family member present at the ceremony and who holds the child, while the mohel, who is qualified to perform the circumcision, performs the operation. The sandek then passes the child to the father and together they recite a prayer. The name of the newborn is announced to those present: the Hebrew name sometimes differs from the usual name.