Jewish identityBrit Milah ceremony and symbols

The term ‘rites of passage’ refers to religious ceremonies which happen throughout a believer’s life. These ceremonies can be seen as marking the stages where the believer moves from one life stage to another and usually include:

• birth
• coming of age
• marriage
• death

Different religions will have slightly different names and traditions for these ceremonies based on their beliefs and practices.

Birth rites - Brit Milah

Brit Milah means 'the Covenant of Circumcision'. Circumcision makes the boy part of the covenant with Abraham and the Jewish community. It represents a physical commitment to God and to obeying God's laws.

Features of the Brit Milah

• On the eighth day following birth, a male or female friend or relative will act as a messenger, or a kvatter. The female kvatter will hand the baby to the male kvatter who will be wearing a tallith. He will carry the boy into a room where the males of the family are gathered. The baby is put on the knee of the sandek who is often the grandfather.
• The mohel recites a blessing. The baby is circumcised.
• The mohel then blesses a cup of wine and announces the baby's name in Hebrew and English. A drop of wine is placed on the baby's tongue.

Girls will have a naming ceremony which takes place in the synagogue. During this ceremony the baby girl's name is announced by her father and a section from the Torah is read.