The Covenant Beyond Medicine:Why Brit Milah Deserves a Mohel

by Cantor David Muchnick

In today’s world of modern medicine and convenience, Jewish families are often presented with a difficult choice when it comes to their son’s brit milah, the ritual circumcision performed on the eighth day of life. Do they seek out a mohel, a trained specialist in this sacred covenant, or do they turn to a pediatric urologist or OB-GYN to carry out the procedure in a clinical setting?

The answer to that question reaches far beyond who holds the scalpel.

A mohel does more than perform a circumcision. A mohel is a bearer of tradition, an officiant of the ancient covenant between the Jewish people and God. The brit milah is not just a surgical act—it is a spiritual and communal one, rich with meaning, song, and blessings that echo through generations. It is a baby’s first ritual, and often a family's first moment of Jewish continuity for their newborn.

When parents choose a mohel, they are choosing someone who understands the ritual significance of the moment. They are choosing someone who brings the kavannah—the sacred intention—to a ceremony that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. The mohel brings not just the tools of the trade, but the prayers, melodies, and mentorship to walk a family through one of the most meaningful moments of Jewish life.

Many parents today have never attended a traditional brit milah. It’s not uncommon for them to be unsure, hesitant, or unaware of what the ceremony entails. Some may fear discomfort or wish to simplify things by outsourcing to a medical clinic. Others may not even realize that there is a meaningful alternative.

That’s where we as a Jewish community come in.

It’s our role to educate, not pressure. To invite curiosity and provide clarity. When parents understand that the mohel is not simply a technician—but a guardian of Jewish ritual, a trained medical provider, and a pastoral presence—they are more likely to embrace the ceremony with open hearts.

Yes, the mohel must be trained in sterile technique, anatomy, and safety. But just as importantly, a mohel must be trained in Jewish law, Jewish music, pastoral care, and the emotional sensitivities that come with welcoming a baby into the covenant of our people.

The brit milah is one of the few lifecycle events that comes without preparation time. It arrives suddenly—eight days after birth—ready or not. This is why it's so important for expectant parents to meet their mohel beforehand, to learn what the ceremony looks like, to express any concerns, and to feel empowered rather than intimidated.

I am both a seasoned mohel and a Reform cantor who has spent over two decades guiding families through sacred Jewish rituals. I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when the brit milah is personal, prayerful, and performed with meaning. The experience is transformative—not just for the parents, but for everyone present.

We are the stewards of a tradition that has been handed down generation to generation. And it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the beauty, the sanctity, and the legacy that comes with choosing a mohel.

So to those who are unsure, uncertain, or undecided: I invite you to learn more, ask questions, and consider the brit milah not just as a medical procedure, but as a sacred milestone—a moment to elevate with intention, community, and holiness.

Let’s reclaim the spiritual integrity of this mitzvah. Let’s make sure our sons begin their Jewish journey with song, blessing, tradition, and meaning.