Brit milah is the Jewish ceremony that traditionally welcomes a newborn boy through circumcision and naming.
The Hebrew expression means “covenant of circumcision.” It recalls the biblical covenant associated with Abraham and is generally performed on the eighth day after birth when the baby is medically able to undergo the procedure. The ceremony includes blessings, the circumcision, and the announcement of the child’s Hebrew name.
A specially trained practitioner called a mohel commonly performs the circumcision. Family and community members may attend, and a festive meal often follows. If the baby is unwell, the ceremony is postponed until it is safe.
Brit milah is different from pidyon haben, which concerns the redemption of certain firstborn sons, and from Simchat bat, a naming ceremony for a baby girl.