The terms “bris” and “circumcision” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to related yet distinct rituals. Both involve the removal of the foreskin from the penis, but there are some key differences between a bris and a circumcision.
What is a bris?
A bris is a Jewish ritual circumcision. The word “bris” comes from the Hebrew word “brit” meaning covenant. A bris is performed on 8-day old baby boys as a symbol of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
According to Jewish law, a bris should be performed on the eighth day after birth, even if that day falls on Shabbat or a holiday. It is considered a very important commandment in Judaism. The bris is seen as a sign of belonging to the Jewish community.
The procedure is usually carried out by a mohel, a person trained in the practice of circumcision. Traditionally, the mohel uses a knife to remove the foreskin around the head of the penis. After the foreskin is removed, the mohel will pull the skin forward to tear the connection between the glans and inner foreskin. This is an important step, as the whole point is to bare the glans.
After the circumcision, the baby is given his Hebrew name. This marks the baby’s entrance into the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The bris is followed by a celebratory meal or feast.
What is a medical circumcision?
A medical circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin for health, medical, or cosmetic reasons. It may be performed on babies, children, teenagers, or adults.
Circumcisions are often performed in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or clinics by trained medical professionals. The procedure involves restraining the patient, injecting a local anesthetic, then cutting away the foreskin around the head of the penis. Several devices may be used to aid in removing the foreskin.
Medical circumcisions are recommended for the following reasons:
- Phimosis – a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back from the head of the penis
- Paraphimosis – when the foreskin cannot be pulled forward over the head of the penis
- Balanitis – recurrent infection and inflammation under the foreskin
- Hygiene – some parents choose circumcision to keep the area clean
- Religion/culture – some faiths require circumcision
- Appearance – some parents want their child to “look like” other circumcised boys
After a medical circumcision, pain medication and wound care instructions are provided. Healing takes about 1-2 weeks. The procedure may also involve risks like bleeding, infection, scarring, and removal of too much or too little foreskin.
Key Differences Between Bris and Circumcision
Although both involve removing the foreskin, there are some important differences between a Jewish bris and a medical circumcision:
| Bris | Medical Circumcision |
|---|---|
| Done on 8th day after birth | Can be done on babies, children, or adults |
| Performed by a mohel | Performed by doctors/surgeons |
| Religious ritual and celebration | Surgical/medical procedure |
| Sign of Jewish identity | Recommended for health reasons |
| Always removes foreskin completely | Amount removed varies |
| No anesthesia used traditionally | Local anesthetic used |
| Baby named and blessed | No naming ritual |
| Sign of Jewish covenant with God | No religious meaning |
Preparing for a Bris
For a traditional Jewish bris, preparations begin before the baby is born. The parents will choose a mohel to perform the circumcision. The mohel may visit the family before the birth to begin building a relationship.
After the baby boy is born, he will usually stay with the mother in the hospital for 2-4 days if delivery was uncomplicated. The parents should notify the mohel once the mother and baby are home from the hospital.
Here are some tips for parents getting ready for a bris:
- Make sure the mohel has the correct date and time.
- Send out invitations for the bris 1-2 months in advance.
- Prepare a place in the home for the ceremony, near a sink is optimal.
- Obtain a comfortable pillow or cushion for the baby to lie on.
- Have gauze, vaseline, gloves, antiseptic on hand for after care.
- Buy or borrow a “bris pillow” to hold the baby on his lap.
- Select a sandak (person who holds the baby during ritual).
- Choose godparents who will take part in the ceremony.
- Clear baby’s schedule for rest and healing on bris day.
The mohel will bring the necessary tools to perform the circumcision part of the ceremony. The parents’ role is to provide a comfortable setting and invite close friends and family to witness the occasion.
What Happens at a Bris Ceremony?
The bris ceremony incorporates both religious ritual and family celebration. Here is a basic outline of what occurs:
- Welcoming ritual – The baby and Sandak (holder) are welcomed into the room accompanied by blessings and songs.
- Circumcision – The mohel blesses the ritual and recites prayers before circumcising the baby very quickly and painlessly. The father recites blessing over wine.
- Naming – The baby’s Hebrew name is announced publicly for the first time.
- Blessings – Prayers and blessings for the health and future of the child are recited.
- Honors – Family and friends are given special honors, such as helping dress or swaddle the baby.
- Celebration – Often a festive meal follows with special foods like challah bread and matzo meal.
The bris ceremony incorporates both joyous celebration and meaningful ritual. The prayers connect the child to centuries of Jewish tradition and welcome him as a new member of the community.
Caring for Baby After a Bris
The bris leaves the sensitive tip of the penis exposed. Caring for the circumcision site is important to reduce risk of bleeding and promote rapid healing. Here are some post-bris care tips:
- Gently clean area with warm water and gauze after diaper changes
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly with each diaper change
- Use a clean diaper under waistband to prevent irritation
- Watch for signs of redness, swelling, discharge
- Contact mohel or doctor about any bleeding or concerns
- Allow 7-10 days healing before immersing in water
The mohel or pediatrician can provide guidance about normal healing and any signs of infection. With proper care, the circumcision site should heal completely within a week or two.
Summary of Bris vs Circumcision
In summary, a bris is a religious Jewish ritual circumcision whereas a medical circumcision is a surgical procedure. Both involve removing the foreskin from the penis.
Key differences include:
- A bris always occurs on the 8th day after birth, a medical circumcision can be done at any age.
- A bris is performed by a mohel; a medical circumcision is done by a doctor.
- A bris symbolizes the Jewish covenant with God; a medical circumcision provides health benefits.
- A bris removes the entire foreskin; a medical circumcision may only remove part.
- A bris has religious meaning, naming rituals, and a celebration; a medical circumcision is a sterile surgical procedure.
While both types of circumcision have the same result, the context, meaning, and procedures involved are quite different. Understanding these differences can help parents decide which tradition is right for their family.
Conclusion
A bris and medical circumcision both involve surgically removing the foreskin from the penis. However, there are important differences between these related rituals.
A bris is a Jewish religious ceremony performed on the 8th day after birth by a mohel. It signifies the covenant between God and Abraham. A medical circumcision is done at various ages by a doctor for health, religious, or cosmetic reasons.
The bris is full of celebration, naming rituals, and community. The medical procedure focuses solely on the surgical aspects. While the end result of exposing the glans is the same, the context and meaning of these events is quite different.
Parents opting for circumcision should understand this background as they decide which option is right for their child and family.