How to Choose a Location for a Bris Ceremony

The Jewish religion defines the bris ceremony as the ritual service performed on a baby boy eight days after his birth. It often coincides with the baby's circumcision. Because a bris traditionally takes place just a week after birth, it is recommended to begin planning the logistics of your event well before the baby arrives. It is customary to invite friends and family to honor your newborn, therefore, selecting an appropriate location to hold your ceremony is crucial.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide the tone you wish to set for your bris ceremony about six weeks before your due date. In other words, decide whether you want a private, family gathering or large celebratory event.

2. Count the number of people you expect will attend your event.

3. Brainstorm locations that can hold your anticipated crowd. Most people opt to hold their bris ceremonies at home, while others choose their synagogues, Jewish community centers, local hospitals, banquet halls or restaurants with private dining rooms.

4. Speak with the rabbi or mohel who will be performing your bris ceremony to get other suggestions of locations to host your event.

5. Plan a menu of food you wish to serve at the bris about two weeks before your due date. Take into account whether your ceremony location offers catering or dining services.

6. Call potential locations to check availability about a week before your due date.

7. After the child is born, confirm the locale if necessary, and inform your rabbi or mohel and guests of the time and location of the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have questions regarding the timing of your event, ask your rabbi or mohel. Traditionally, a bris ceremony occurs on the eighth day after birth, and should never occur past sundown.
• If you choose to host your bris at home, ask family members and friends to bake traditional Jewish delicacies to enjoy during your celebration.
• Because having a baby is a stressful and time-consuming event for parents, consider passing some or all of the responsibility in planning the bris to trusted family members or friends.