The Mohel

According to Jewish tradition, the mitzvah of circumcision is a personal obligation placed upon the father of the newborn son, as part of his broader spiritual and practical responsibilities toward his child. However, most fathers today choose not to perform the circumcision themselves and instead appoint a professional mohel to carry out the ceremony on their behalf.

In Israel, there are several types of mohalim to choose from:
– Mohels officially certified by a supervisory board
– Mohels who operate independently and are not formally recognized
– Physicians who perform circumcisions as a side practice

Certified Mohels

Certified mohalim are licensed by the Joint Inter-Ministerial Committee for Supervision of Mohels, a body jointly operated by the Ministry of Health and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
This committee oversees the mohel’s:
– Practical surgical training
– Halachic (Jewish legal) education
– Apprenticeship under experienced mohalim
– Written and practical examinations

The committee maintains an up-to-date national list of mohalim, grants and renews licenses, investigates complaints, distributes protocols, and organizes training workshops.

A certified mohel with extended experience and who passes additional exams may receive the title “Expert Mohel.”
To contact the committee, you may reach out to the Circumcision Department at the Chief Rabbinate in Jerusalem:
80 Yirmiyahu St., Jerusalem | Phone: 02-5313141/2 | Fax: 02-5000278 | Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Uncertified Mohels

These are typically trained through personal apprenticeship under a senior mohel. While they may gain valuable experience, they operate without institutional oversight.
As such, public hospitals in Israel are not permitted to employ or promote them, as per Ministry of Health regulations.

Physician-Mohels

Some certified physicians also perform circumcisions – in private clinics or at family events. While this may seem like a safer option, medical training alone is not a substitute for hands-on mohel experience, nor does it address halachic requirements.

In Jewish tradition, the mohel must:
– Be Jewish
– Be observant of Jewish law
– Possess both medical competence and halachic knowledge

What to Look for in a Mohel

As parents preparing for your son’s brit milah, it’s important to ask questions and find a mohel who aligns with your standards. Don’t hesitate to consult with friends or family who’ve been through the experience.

Here are important criteria to consider:
– Certification – Ensure the mohel is licensed by the supervisory committee
– Sterilization – The mohel must use an autoclave for sterilizing tools (not just alcohol)
– Medical disclosure – Inform the mohel of any family history of liver disease or blood clotting issues (e.g., hemophilia)
– Home visits – The Chief Rabbinate requires a pre-ceremony visit to assess the baby’s health; post-ceremony visits are also common
– Preparation guidance – The mohel should provide detailed instructions for feeding, diapering, wound care, and warning signs to watch for
– Parent preferences – If you prefer grape juice over wine, or want to avoid sedatives of any kind, communicate your wishes clearly
– Punctuality – Emphasize the importance of timeliness, especially if guests are invited
– Ceremony logistics – Agree in advance on who will handle which parts of the ceremony, what supplies are needed, and who brings what