A Jewish Bris, or Brit Milah, is a religious ceremony marking the circumcision of a baby boy, typically performed on the eighth day after birth. The ritual symbolizes the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as established with Abraham in the Torah. The ceremony is led by a trained mohel (circumciser) and usually takes place in the family’s home or synagogue. It includes blessings, prayers, and the baby’s Hebrew naming. Close family and friends gather to witness the event, which is followed by a celebratory meal, highlighting the significance of faith and community in Jewish life.
Golda & Sruli, Mum &Dad
I photographed Golda and Sruli’s Lubovitch wedding in 2017 , six years later Golda gave birth to the beautiful Ephraim Yackov and they asked me to document this very special occasion for their family which took place at 7.00 am at their synagogue.
As a documentary photographer who had never photographed such an event they really put their trust in me to capture all the little moments that occurred. One of the best tips apart from researching as much on the web, taking notes and talking to people is to follow and stay close to the action and in this instant that meant staying close to baby Ephraim.
Jewish tradition means that the mother of the child cannot touch or pass her baby to the rabbi , only being allowed to touch her husband. So initially Ephraim was passed by Sruli the childs dad to his wife Golda who then passes the baby to her best friend Danielle who then passed the baby to her husband Dovi who in turn passes the baby to the Rabbi to perform the ritual !
Once the ceremony is finished Ephraim is handed from the Rabbi back to Dovi then Daniella then back to mum Golda. The then celebrate with breakfast and prayers.
The ladies in the Lubovitch community when in Synagogue sit separately from the male with a curtain dividing the room.
A little history about the Ceremony
A Jewish Bris: History and Tradition
A Bris Milah (or Brit Milah) is a sacred Jewish ceremony marking the covenant of circumcision, a tradition that dates back thousands of years to the biblical patriarch Abraham. According to the Torah (Genesis 17:9-14), God commanded Abraham to circumcise all male descendants on the eighth day after birth, signifying the eternal bond between the Jewish people and God. This time-honored ritual has been observed by Jewish communities across the world for centuries.
When and How the Bris Takes Place
The Bris is performed on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life, even if it falls on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, unless there is a medical reason to delay it. The ceremony is conducted by a Mohel, a trained expert in Jewish circumcision, in the presence of family, friends, and the community. The baby is placed on the Sandek’s lap (often a grandfather or a revered family member), and the circumcision is performed with prayers and blessings. The child is then given his Hebrew name, marking his official entry into the Jewish people.
A Bris in Golders Green, London
The Adelman family in Golders Green, London celebrated their newborn’s Bris in a traditional and joyous gathering. Golders Green, known for its vibrant Jewish community, was the perfect setting for this spiritual milestone. Surrounded by family, friends, and Rabbinic leaders, the ceremony reflected deep-rooted Lubavitch customs, reinforcing the family’s commitment to Jewish tradition and faith. The event concluded with a festive meal (Seudat Mitzvah), where guests offered blessings for the baby’s future.
A Bris Milah is more than just a religious rite; it is a powerful moment of Jewish continuity, faith, and family unity, ensuring the legacy of Jewish tradition is passed to the next generation.
