Page navigation

Service at a Circumcision

Note: The role of Sandek is defined as the highest honour an individual can have as a participant within a bris ceremony. The origin of the term Sandek has been attributed to a derivation from the Greek word suntekos which means 'companion of child'. The main role of a Sandek is to be seated during the ceremony and hold the baby on their knees.

The mohel will no doubt be reciting his part of the service in Hebrew but if the father's Hebrew is not so good there is no reason why he shouldn't recite his part in English.

When the baby is brought in, all stand and say:

Blessed is he who comes.

The father of the child says:

I am here ready to perform the positive commandment to circumcise my son, as the Creator, blessed be He, has commanded us, as is written in the Torah, "Throughout your generations, every male child among you who is eight days old must be circumcised."

The baby is placed on a seat, and the mohel will recite in Hebrew. When he has finished, all say:

May we be sated with the goodness of Your house, Your holy Temple.

The baby is placed on the knees of the sandek, and the mohel says (in Hebrew)

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and has commanded us concerning circumcision.

Immediately after the circumcision, the father says:

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and has commanded us to bring our son into the covenant of Abraham, our father.

All respond:

Just as he has entered into the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, marriage and good deeds.

The mohel will now take a cup of wine and recite prayers in Hebrew.

.

.

.

.

.