Timing of the Brit

The brit milah (circumcision ceremony) should take place on the eighth day after the birth of a baby boy, as instructed in the Torah:
“On the eighth day, every male among you shall be circumcised throughout your generations” (Genesis 17:12).

Even if the eighth day falls on Shabbat, a Jewish holiday, or even Yom Kippur, the brit is performed as scheduled—unless medical conditions require postponement.
Both the day of birth and the day of the brit are counted when calculating the eighth day. For example, a baby born on Sunday will be circumcised the following Sunday.
In Jewish tradition, the day begins at sunset. Therefore, if a baby is born after sunset, the count starts from the next day.

The brit is held during daylight hours only, based on the verse: “And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised” (Leviticus 12:3).
Postponing the Brit
The brit may not be postponed for logistical or convenience reasons, such as guest availability.
However, if a doctor and mohel determine that medical reasons warrant a delay, Jewish law requires it. Common reasons include:

  • Premature birth (usually before 37 weeks)
  • Very low birth weight (usually under 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs)
  • Neonatal jaundice (especially if bilirubin levels are high or rising)
  • Any fever or general health concern
  • Irregularities in the baby’s anatomy

If the brit is postponed for over six months, the Chief Rabbinate requires a doctor to be present at the ceremony.
Cases in which the brit is performed on the ninth day (rather than the eighth):

  • Medical postponement
  • A baby born without a foreskin (approximately 7% of newborns); in such cases, a symbolic prick (hatafat dam brit) is performed
  • Cesarean births
  • Uncertainty about the day of birth (Friday night/Saturday)
  • Mother undergoing conversion that is not yet complete

Some mohalim may hesitate to perform the brit on Shabbat due to concerns about guests driving. In such cases, the ceremony may be held privately on Shabbat, with a public celebration on a weekday.
Fasting Days and Mourning Periods
The brit milah is held as usual on Jewish fast days, though it’s customary not to serve food or play music. The main fast days are:

  • Tzom Gedaliah (3 Tishrei)
  • Yom Kippur (10 Tishrei)
  • 10 Tevet
  • Ta’anit Esther (13 Adar)
  • 17 Tammuz
  • 9 Av
    Location
    The ceremony can be held at home, in a synagogue (typically after morning prayers), or at a banquet hall. It’s traditional to host a festive meal afterward.
    For nursing mothers, a private room should be available. A special chair, known as “Elijah’s Chair,” is placed for the sandak (the person holding the baby during the circumcision).
    Guests
    Once you’ve chosen the time and place, inform your guests.
    According to tradition, brit invitations are phrased as announcements (“The brit will take place on Monday”) rather than direct invitations (“You are invited on Monday”).
    This custom avoids embarrassment if a guest is unable to attend.

It is customary to invite many guests and to celebrate with a large festive meal, just as Abraham did for Isaac:
“And Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned” (Genesis 21:8).

If you prefer a smaller gathering, that’s also acceptable. A minyan (ten Jewish men over the age of 13) is preferred but +