How to Become a Mohel

In the Jewish religion, a mohel performs circumcisions. The traditional way to become a mohel was relatively straightforward. A rabbi or cantor apprenticed himself to a mohel for a period of time. Once the older mohel gave his blessing, the student could practice as an independent mohel. Some still do it that way today. However, liberal Jewish traditions have another way to become a mohel or mohelet (female mohel). Here's how it is done.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Formal medical training
• Application from the Berit Mila Board of Reform Judaism
• Medical license
• Letter from your rabbi
• Letter from the head of your medical department
• Malpractice insurance
• Personal essay
• Official mohel training course from the the Berit Mila

1. Complete your regular medical training first in a specialty that would be relevant to performing circumcisions. This would include obtaining a doctorate in obstetrics, pediatrics, urology or family practice, as well as being a certified nurse/midwife who also performs routine circumcisions.

2. Request an application from the Berit Mila Board of Reform Judaism by calling [phone] or by emailing [e-mail].

3. Assemble documentation to present to the Berit Mila board. This includes a copy of your current medical license, a letter from your synagogue's rabbi attesting to your good moral character, a letter from the head of the hospital department where you currently perform circumcisions verifying your skill in doing them, proof that your medical malpractice insurance covers the performance of circumcisions and a two to three page essay describing why you want to become a mohel/et.

4. Submit your application packet to the Berit Mila Board of Reform Judaism. They will review it and may contact you for further clarification if needed.

5. Wait for the Berit Mila to begin classes in your area of the country. If you have been accepted into the program, they will let you know when a class is about to open up.

6. Attend a 30 to 35-hour training program. Subjects will include basic halachic law in regards to the bris, details of the ceremony, psychological aspects of the berit mila and other Judaica courses. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, you will be a certified Reform mohel or mohelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Although traditionalists might be surprised to see a woman performing the ceremony, there is no halachic prohibition against mohelets. According to the Bible, Zipporah, the wife of Moses, performed the circumcisions on her own sons.

Resources

• Find out more about Reform Judaism and circumcision here.