How to Pick Music for a Bris Ceremony

A bris is the traditional ceremony that welcomes a newborn baby boy into the Jewish religion. It combines the ritual circumcision with the baby naming. It is considered a simcha, or happy occasion, shared with close friends and family that is often celebrated with food, laughter and music. Follow these simple steps to select the right songs to create the festive atmosphere for your bris ceremony.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to your rabbi or mohel about the logistics of your bris ceremony. Incorporate "Simen Tov u Mazel Tov" into the conclusion of your ceremony. This is a traditional Jewish song that wishes good luck and joy to everyone celebrating the event.

2. Ask your rabbi or mohel if there are any other traditional songs he would like to incorporate into the ceremony, such as "Y'did Nefesh." This song expresses love and appreciation for God.

3. Learn the words to both verses of "Simen Tov u Mazel Tov" and any other religious melodies you wish to sing at the bris.

4. Visit your local synagogue gift shop or Judaica store.

5. Look for a compilation of Jewish celebratory songs, such as "Simcha Time" by Mickey Katz. This compilation is also available online.

6. Set up the bris ceremony location to play your festive music. Bring the necessary equipment to amplify throughout your venue.

7. Play the compilation music during the celebratory feast following the bris ceremony. Do not play background music during the ceremony itself, as this would be considered sacrilegious.

Resources

• Learn the words of