Customs Before the Brit Milah

In Jewish tradition, there are several special days that serve as part of the preparations leading up to the Brit Milah:

Shalom Zachar
An Ashkenazi custom held on the Friday night after the birth of a baby boy and before the Brit Milah, following the Shabbat meal. During this event, to which friends and family are invited, round foods are served—symbolizing fertility and the cycle of life. This custom serves several purposes:

  1. A thanksgiving meal for the safe delivery of the baby.
  2. A gathering of Torah words and songs, signifying the baby’s spiritual connection to the Jewish people before the physical covenant.
  3. A celebration of hope that the newborn brings joy and harmony to the parents’ relationship.
  4. A symbolic “recovery meal” (similar to one observed during mourning), which includes round foods and reflects the sorrow of leaving the womb. This is inspired by a Talmudic legend that a fetus knows the entire Torah in the womb, and upon birth an angel taps the baby’s lip to make him forget—so he must relearn it throughout his life (Talmud Niddah 30b).

Tikkun Eliyahu – Night of Guarding – Va’achnacht
The night before the Brit, some observe a “white night” of Torah study beside the baby’s bed, called “Tikkun Eliyahu.” This is based on the belief that the baby is vulnerable until the Brit, and therefore should not be left alone that night. In some customs, children come to recite verses of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–9) and “The angel who redeems me from all evil, bless the lads…” (Genesis 48:16), which are believed to offer spiritual protection.

It also emphasizes the importance of Shema in Jewish history. In ancient times, when the Greeks or Romans banned circumcision, Jews would gather in large groups the night before to mask the intent of the upcoming ceremony.

Brit Yitzhak – Night of Zohar – Aked el-Yas
Among Sephardic communities, there is also a tradition to protect the newborn the night before the Brit. During the “Zohar Night,” relatives and friends gather at the baby’s (or grandparents’) home to read Midrashim, stories, and halachot from the Zohar related to Brit Milah (Zohar on Genesis, parashat Lech Lecha). The father is expected to read the passage discussing his obligation to circumcise his son. Afterwards, a festive meal with singing and dancing is held. Some families bring the Chair of Elijah to the home, decorating it with myrtle branches in preparation for the ceremony.