- Realize that there is necessary training. You should choose a certified mohel that has been formally trained both in circumcision techniques as well as in Jewish law and tradition.
- While he certainly must be an expert in the latest medically approved surgical and sterilization procedures, being a mohel requires much more than surgical and medical skill.
- Understand that Jewish law sees the moment of bris milah (brit-milah) as having a great spiritual impact upon the child. Therefore, the mohel must be an expert in the way he performs this important mitzvah, because if it is not done correctly, the removal of the negative energies is not properly accomplished.[1]
- Choose an orthodox, G-d-fearing mohel in order to insure that the bris is done to perfection. The mohel must be a G-d fearing practicing, Sabbath observant Jew, who performs the bris milah in accordance with the intentions as well as the methods of Jewish law. In this way the mohel is a specialist in the spiritual aspects as well as the medical aspects of circumcision.
- You should know that according to Jewish law, if a non-Jew performs the circumcision, the bris is rendered invalid. The reason for this, is that since the bris is to imprint the "act of the covenant", it, therefore, must be performed by a member of the covenant.
- Choose a male to perform the bris.
- Know the follow-through. If the circumcision was invalid, the way to rectify is to do hatafas dam bris – releasing a speck of blood.
- You should realize that bris milah is a religious observance and not a medical procedure. For this reason, one should not use a doctor who is a qualified mohel to do the bris.[2]
- However, if the doctor’s expertise as a mohel is apart from his being a doctor, then it would be okay. But you should know that some authorities have expressed the view that religious doctors should refrain from performing bris milah.
WARNING
- Some mohels are neither certified nor licensed, so avoid them!
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